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The first ever Portico Print Fair: Prints Charming

Emma Nuttall

It’s not just paper-based – The Portico Library’s inaugural Print Fair takes in textiles and ceramics, too.

The Portico Library is a one of Manchester’s champions of the printed word. Not only is it among the city’s most unusual libraries, with its Grade II listed building topped by a beautiful glass dome, it’s also home to the Portico Writing Prize and a scheme for young writers. Now, there’s an added tassel on the library’s cap as this tucked away venue becomes host to a brand new print fair.

Limited edition and one-off creations make for original, distinctive gifts

On show in The Portico Print Fair (3-21 December) are original, limited edition and one-off creations by twelve northwest artists, printmakers and collectives: Gideon Conn, Sally Gilford, Emma Grover, Hot Bed Press, John Powell Jones, Lizzie King & Craig Tattersall, Julia Midgley, Mary Rouncefield, Steph Shipley, Tasha Whittle, The Exhibition Centre for the Life and Use of Books, Deiniol Williams and Anna Wilson.

Due to the variety of forms and working practices, each collection promises to bring a variant on the concept of ‘print.’ You will find an abundance of textiles, ceramics and traditional prints on sale, making The Portico a perfect stop off for original and distinctive gifts and stocking fillers. Best of all, there’s live music, mulled wine and mince pies planned for the free launch event Thursday 3 December.

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