17
Oak Street, (off Tib Street)
Northern Quarter, Manchester M4 5JD.
Tel: 0161-832 4274. Fax: 0161-832 3416.
A
novel designer, maker, studio, retail craft market set in a
grand old Victorian cast iron and glass building in the Manchester
Northern Quarter, fully restored to its former glory.
Unique
combinations of workshops where you can see artefacts being
made, and retail studio showrooms where you can browse and buy
the merchandise.
It is rather hidden away amongst new residential developments
just off Tib Street at the Swan Street end, in the so-called
"Northern Quarter" of the city centre, just 5 minutes walk from
Piccadilly Gardens.
Good
nearby street car parking. Jointly run and promoted by the North
West Arts Board, Arts About Manchester, Greater Manchester Visitor
Centre, North West Tourist Board and Manchester City Council.
It
has very much of a feel of the old "guilds" of artisans, and
the atmosphere is both relaxed and invigorating.
Two
storeys of arcaded workshops with an excellent vegetarian café/restaurant
"Dr Livvy's Café" on site, where you may take a light meal to
the accompaniment of live piano music.
The
two floors of designers, contemporary craft workers and artists
who trade here deal in a wide range of media, including ceramics,
textiles, jewellery, sculpture, screen printing, carved wooden
artefacts, glassware, furniture and designer clothing and accessories.
Most
of the craft workers exhibit at trades fairs, and there is a
regularly changing programme of exhibitions and displays.
A
good place to shop, to browse, or to take a morning coffee or
lunch. Open Monday to Saturday from 10.30am-5.30pm.
