PRESS RELEASE

EIGHT LIONS + AN UMBRELLA

Lion Friendly Urban Safaris

Manchester, the curse of the Ministry of Health, the despair of the architect, the salvation of the umbrella trade.

Source: Manchester Guardian 14/01/1941

 

Initially inspired by two paintings on display at Manchester Art Gallery: The Fallen Monarch (1849) by Animal painter Edward Landseer + The Umbrellas (1917) by Deaf artist Dorothy Brett, Eight Lions + An Umbrella was launched in Stockport during Adult Learners’ Week 2011. This special edition of the popular Eight Lions + An Umbrella, specially devised for the Not Part of Festival 2011, consists of 3 urban safaris in Manchester City Centre with a twist (or two). It aims to draw the attention on architectural lions, using the history of Manchester’s umbrella trade as a starting point.

 

Led jointly by local historian Dominique Tessier + visual artists Mei Yuk Wong + Diana Terry, each of these two-hour lion hunts will start at the Rain Bar on Great Bridgewater, Manchester M1 5JG - area historically linked with umbrella making:

 

Everybody has heard, + many known from experience, that at Manchester it is always raining; but few, perhaps, are aware that the balance of compensation is tolerably well preserved by Manchester in return making umbrellas for the rest of the world. About three years since we paid a visit to one of these factories, situated in Great Bridgewater-street, where upwards of five hundred hands are constantly employed making umbrellas for other hands to hold. From this establishment an umbrella has been turned out complete every minute for the last ten years; (…).

Source:  The Working man's friend, and family instructor, John Cassell (1833)

 

The last 2 safaris will double as plein air language lessons + participants will be taught a few essential phrases in Cantonese (09/07, 2pm-4pm) + in French (14/07, 6pm-8pm). In keeping with the theme, participants are also invited to attend each event dressed as tourists, explorers or even as Dr. Marsh Tracy - veterinarian in the 60s TV show Daktari.

 

SAFARI #1: 01/07/11, 2pm – 4pm

SAFARI #2: 09/07/11, 2pm – 4pm

SAFARI #3: 14/07/11, 6pm – 8pm

 

TICKETS are £5 for Adults + £2 for Children.

BOOKING is required at [log in to unmask] or 07757457790.

CONTACT: Dominique Tessier

T. 07757457790

E. [log in to unmask] OR [log in to unmask]

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