The Sculpts, a decorative homeware and lifestyle brand based in Manchester, is delighted to announce the successful completion of their collaboration with Manchester Museum. This extraordinary partnership involved capturing the essence of the museum’s entire collection through a bespoke range of illustrations.
Working closely alongside the Museum’s curatorial team, The Sculpts dedicated an entire year to thoroughly exploring each individual collection. The result is a remarkable series of ceramic tiles called “MANCHESTER,” each presenting a distinct letter in The Sculpts’ signature style. These tiles feature highly detailed and clever pen and ink illustrations, showcasing not only the artifacts themselves but also the captivating stories that surround them.
The series delves into a diverse range of themes, aligning with the museum’s commitment to sustainability, biodiversity, and inclusivity. Each tile serves as a compelling narrative in its own right. The collection begins with the letter “M,” representing Manchester Museum itself, followed by “E” for Elephant. This tile depicts the incredible journey of Maharajah, a 150-year-old elephant who famously walked from Glasgow to Manchester. Additionally, the series pays homage to Manchester’s historical connections with China and Southeast Asia, showcases extraordinary prehistoric artifacts, and highlights the museum’s efforts in conserving biodiversity in the Rainforests of Panama and Costa Rica. Complementing the tile series, there is also a standalone tile celebrating the symbolic use of bees throughout history across different cultures. Furthermore, the main series is accompanied by pared-back companion illustrations that can be used on greetings cards.
This collaboration coincides with the renovation of Manchester Museum’s Oxford Road site. Esme Ward, the Museum Director and a leading figure in this collaboration, expressed her delight, saying:
“Watching this collaboration unfold with The Sculpts has been an absolute pleasure. It beautifully encapsulates our recent transformation at Manchester Museum, showcasing our dedication to biodiversity, celebrating our most popular exhibits, local archaeology, and our strong relationships with communities. Each illustration effortlessly weaves together artifacts, heritage, and culture. Artwork possesses the power to drive change, and this new range exemplifies the transformation we are currently undergoing, while also telling the ongoing story of Manchester, a city constantly evolving.”
The Sculpts, a brand deeply rooted in Manchester, prides itself on creating surreal yet meaningful designs that pay homage to the city’s industrial spirit and its surroundings. Leading the brand is Richard Bennett, an illustrator and architect. Richard brings The Sculpts’ designs to life, which feature prominently in their distinctive range of ceramics, prints, and textiles. With intricate details and profound symbolism, each design powerfully evokes the heart and heritage of Manchester.
The collaboration with Manchester Museum adds to The Sculpts’ impressive portfolio of prestigious projects with renowned institutions in Manchester. Past partnerships have included the Whitworth Art Gallery, Manchester Central Library, and the National Trust.
Richard Bennett, the Founder and Designer of The Sculpts, expressed his enthusiasm for collaboration, stating: “Collaboration lies at the core of our creative philosophy, and our partnership with Manchester Museum has been an extraordinary opportunity to explore and celebrate the archives and culture of such a revered institution.”
To learn more about this collaboration and browse The Sculpts’ collections, please visit their website at https://www.thesculpts.com/.
