Box on the Docks was born during the pandemic in 2020 as a way to support two of the hardest hit industries: both the arts and hospitality. We commissioned talented, local artists to decorate our sheds and greenhouses, transforming them into striking dining pods, meaning friends and family could enjoy tasty local treats from our growing number of independents in a safe and spacious way.
We remain committed to or wonderful artists who have refreshed the pods seasonally.
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About the piece: Neon is a scientific and highly technical discipline, but through Jonathan Lang’s flexible approach to the medium and creative glass bending techniques, his Box on the Docks box has been designed to be playful and engaging. This public art installation has been created using gas, glass and electricity as primary materials.
About the artist: Jonathan Lang studied engineering at college. Following some experiments with fluorescent tubes and an increasing fascination with gasses he taught himself how to make neon. He now creates one-off public art installations using gas, glass and electricity as primary materials. Neon is a scientific and highly technical discipline, but through his flexible approach to the medium and creative glass bending techniques, Jonathan creates work that is playful and engaging. His lack of formal training means his experimental approach is very rare in this field.
Website: www.quaysculture.com
Instagram: @quayscultureuk
About the piece: It can get dark in the winter months, so let’s brighten things up! Helena wanted to create a colourful celebration of the people who live and work here in Salford. The people of Salford love a party and we love our family and friends and this box is designed to facilitate a safe celebration zone in extraordinary times. Helena chose to put Salford’s motto ‘SALSUS POPULI SUPREMA LEX’ above the door – which means ‘The welfare of the people is the highest law’.
About the artist: Helena is an artist from Walkden and student at The University of Salford. She proudly represents Salford on the hit TV show ‘GoggleBox’ with her mum, dad and son Erwin. On working on the project Helena said: “A lot of change has happened over the years, but what has always remained constant in this city is that people genuinely care about one another and we know how to have a good time.”
Website: www.etsy.com/uk/shop/hunkydoory
Social: @helenaworthington
About the piece: This installation is inspired by the paper folding techniques of Joseph Albers and the Bauhaus movement. The aim was to create a luminescent interior that utilised the qualities of the greenhouse, playing with light, shadow and architectural form. Constructed entirely from laser cut white paper, the panels were then hand folded and shaped to create the sculptural canopy. This combination of the ancient art of Kirigami and cutting-edge technology brings forms from the birth of Modernism into the 21st century.
About the artist: Julia Roy Williams (WONDERHAUS) is an artist practitioner with over 15 years’ experience in public engagement, creative retail and education. Her design work fuses laser cutting technology with traditional craft practices to create a bold and maximal aesthetic. A founding member of Salford Makers Collective, her Studio practice is based at Islington Mill in Salford.
Website: www.wonderhaus.co.uk
Instagram: @wonderhaus_uk @salford_makers
About the piece: This installation is themed around a mysterious botanist. While he was absent during lockdown and unbeknownst to anyone, the Botanist’s collection of rare and unusual seeds has germinated. Unchecked, they have taken over The Botanist’s Greenhouse and filled it with a mass of giant flowers. This has created a floral hideaway where diners can enjoy a meal amongst the leaves and petals of these strange and beautiful plants.
About the artist: Jacqui Symons creates large-scale suspended installations from multiples of origami and paper. Her practice responds to the environment and the natural world and a large part of her work looks at concerns about climate change and loss of biodiversity. Her installations have been exhibited internationally with her largest piece to date, a suspended 3D fish made from 5000 small origami fish, in Hong Kong. Most recently she exhibited in Australia with ‘Bird/Life’ as part of the Off the Page Festival.
Website: www.jacquisymons.co.uk
Instagram and Twitter: @iamjacquisymons
About the piece: The ‘Botany Box’ is a celebration of plants to provide a little green oasis during the cold winter. In this garden of greenery look closely and you’ll find a range of festive favourites as well as the berries and leaves used to make your favourite tipple. Hidden amongst the leaves you might even spot little friends keeping warm.
About the artist: Caroline Coates is an artist who is inspired by working with people. She is an illustrator, community artist and craft tutor and specialises in getting people interested in art and to help them create their own. Working in Manchester and across the North West, Caroline’s illustrations mix the traditional and contemporary to tell a story.
Website: www.carolinecoates.co.uk
Instagram: @carolinecoatesart
About the piece: This is a space for you to immerse yourself in the glitteriest sky you have ever sat under. Different blues and golds reflect the sky no matter what time of day it is, as they shimmer and glisten above your head.
About the artist: Mariel Osborn is a freelance textile artist, still life stylist, prop maker and venue dresser based in the UK. She focuses on tactile materials and processes, taking an inventive and multi-disciplinary approach to surface embellishment and prop-styling, and loves to create immersive experiences in different environments.
Website: www.marielosborn.co.uk
Instagram: @marielosborn
About the piece: Lottillo and Aris Design UK have come together to transport visitors into a tropical winter experience. Step into the greenhouse and find yourself transported to a tropical fantasy leaving 2020 at the door. The box is filled with layers of colourful mixed-media illustrations. Inside, you will be surrounded by tropical plants adorned with wintery lights and decorations. When in the tropical utopia you will discover a host of playful animal characters tending to the environment around you.
About the artists: Illustrator Lottie and Product and Installation Designer Abi have come together to create this piece.
Lottie graduated from Manchester Metropolitan University with a BA Hons in Illustration with Animation and finds inspiration in nature, whether it’s from observing how animals move and interact or the way light refracts through trees and foliage or reflects on water.
Abi’s business, Aris design UK, is an umbrella for her various pursuits including; botanical design and maintenance for businesses and restaurants as well as designing and making furniture and art pieces out of reclaimed boats which she sells on her Etsy page ArisUK.
Instagram: @lottillo @ArisDesignUK
About the piece: Jive’s installation will be a bright mural for Box on the Docks, combining wintry abstract shapes with a magical neon palette. The work reflects their love of colour, patterns and shapes while combining their experience with illustration, printmaking and large-scale art projects. The use of spray paint and hand painted techniques with a neon colour palette is both bright and warm – providing a magical festive feel.
About the artists: Upon making friends at Leeds Arts University in 2016, eager students Aimee Parker and Hollie Webb pooled their creative ideas together to form the design duo: Jive. Born in the hustle of the UK and moulded with the spirit of New Zealand; Jive specialise in digital design, art installations and workshops. Having drawn influence from either side of the globe, Jive is an ever-evolving entity with a love for vibrant design constantly at its core.
From their studio in Ancoats, Jive work closely with organisations and individuals that are ethically aligned moving WITH the environment to bring the local art community together!
Website: www.jiveprints.co.uk
Instagram: @jiveprints
About the piece: Festive Ferry is inspired by a moment in 2016 when Venessa was walking her dog along the Quays and came across a Dazzle Ship. The ship’s bright and vibrant colours brought joy and excitement to Venessa and she never wanted to leave its colourful company. Her box design is inspired by the festive season at Salford Quays and MediaCityUK and aims to represent a ‘celebration at sea’, including ice skates, market stalls, lights and trees. The Festive Ferry Box aims to be a vibrant yet cosy, immersive and joyful experience that people want to visit again and again.
About the artist: Venessa Scott is a prolific public artist from the North of England and has a decorated career in community public art and education. In 2019, Venessa was commissioned by a national property company to mark the 100-year anniversary of women’s suffrage. The 38m tall mural Venessa created was spotted by CBBC to feature on Blue Peter which led to her being commissioned to create a mural for its Black History Month celebrations. As a further honour, in 2020 Venessa was nominated and recognised as a ‘Great Manchurian; A person who has had a significant cultural and creative impact on the City of Manchester and the surrounding areas’.
Website: www.venessascott.co.uk
Social: @venessascott_uk
About the piece: Katie Tomlinson’s Box on the Docks installation has been inspired by snowstorms and the happiness, nostalgia and magic we feel when we find ourselves caught in a storm as adults. The box is covered in custom-made shapes that represent falling snow. The piece will transport you into the middle of a snowstorm and invite you to experience Katie’s favourite festive moment.
About the artist: Katie Tomlinson graduated with a BA in Fine Art from Manchester School of Art in 2018. She is a studio holder at Paradise Works and is currently exhibiting at Castlefield Gallery in Manchester and The Warrington Museum and Art Gallery. During 2020, Katie has been commissioned by The University of Salford Art Collection and Paradise Works. She was awarded a project bursary from The Artists’ Information Company and granted an artist scholarship by The Essential School of Painting in London. Katie also has work for sale through Manchester Art Gallery.
Website: www.katietomlinson.co.uk
Instagram: @kt_tomlinson
About the piece: The World’s Smallest Disco is a party in a box! Filled with glitter, tinsel, pom poms and all things shiny it is the perfect place for a safe festive party. Everyone is welcome to come and have a dance in our disco themed box – we’re sure it will add some sparkle to your day! Dance away to playlists curated by Wayne Hemingway.
About the artist: Lois and Kate are artists who work locally at Hot Bed Press Printmakers Studio. They are primarily printmakers, but have a passion for colour, glitter and interior design.
Website: www.kate-hodgson.co.uk
Instagram: @katehodgsonprints @loisapple
supported by Quays Culture & Reform, originally commissioned by the Royal Shakespeare Company
About the piece: Jam Jar Fairies by Studio Mcguire was originally commissioned by the Royal Shakespeare Company and is brought to Box on the Docks by Quays Culture. You can find the fairies on the inside with the enchanted wonderland exterior designed by Reform.
About the artist: Davy & Kristin McGuire (Studio Mcguire) are award winning multimedia artists, renowned for their idiosyncratic experiments in digital projection and storytelling, combining installations and virtual experiences they create exquisitely crafted worlds full of visual wonders. Their works have been exhibited, sold, published and screened internationally, and their critically acclaimed theatrical projects have been invited to tour globally. The couple have an eclectic portfolio of work including theatrical projects, public and commercial projects as well as gallery work.
Reform are a creative duo based in Manchester who specialise in creating contemporary and original murals for commercial and private spaces. They have a passion for transforming spaces into inspiring places.
Website: www.quaysculture.com | www.studiomcguire.com | www.reformcreative.page
Social: @quayscultureuk @studiomcguire @reformcreative
About the piece: No one in our local community should have to face going hungry. But food poverty in Salford is on the increase. A record number of food bank parcels have already been distributed throughout the pandemic by Salford Foodbank, who have worked tirelessly, and donations are still very much needed. To show our support at Carbon Creative, we have designed and built this Food Giftbox – a place where you can simply drop in food donations and help raise the spirits of local families and people most in need. There are no greater gifts than wellbeing and happiness. By coming together and tackling one of the city’s biggest problems, food poverty, we can help create a healthier and brighter future for all.
About the artist: Carbon Creative, an award-winning web design, branding, digital and advertising agency based in MediaCityUK. They create beautiful brands, wonderful websites and compelling campaigns.
About Salford Foodbank
Salford Foodbank was founded by Christ Central Manchester church and is now part of the Freedom Central Manchester charity. It is supported by local churches and the community, working together towards stopping hunger in our local area. Salford foodbank is part of The Trussell Trust’s network of more than 1,200 foodbank centres, working to tackle food poverty and hunger in our local communities, as well as across the UK.
Website: salford.foodbank.org.uk
Social: @SalfordFoodbank
About the piece: Blue Peter is the longest running children’s programme in the world; the home of challenges, celebrities, crafts, competitions, campaigns and amazing kids. It is presented by Adam, Lindsey, Mwaksy, Richie and Henry the dog. Our very special Blue Peter box showcases what makes Blue Peter amazing – from crafts to the letters from our fans and our famous badges with the ship logo. Take a photo of the ‘Make your own football table’ image inside and see if you can make one at home! Watch new weekly shows 5.30, Thursdays on CBBC and iPlayer.
About the artist: Sally Marshall is a Manchester artist, printmaker, sign writer and illustrator. Sally produces work for commercial clients, alongside customer commissions and her own pieces. Grounded in a DIY aesthetic, her work is inspired by rock goddesses, neo-traditional tattooing and pop art.
Facebook: SallyMarshallArt
Instagram and Twitter: @sallymarshallart
About the piece: CBeebies is packed full of fun for little ones and is the UK’s most loved children’s TV channel. You might have seen some of our shows before! Like Andy’s Adventures, Go Jetters, Something Special and more. We are not just on TV, you can find us on our website, BBC iPlayer and via our CBeebies apps.
When it comes to difference, children see things differently. Everyone’s welcome at CBeebies!
Website: www.bbc.co.uk/cbeebies
Instagram : @CBeebiesHQ
About the piece: Using his signature style of combining colourful illustrations, Nick has constructed the ‘Love Chapel’ using transparent vinyl to appear like a stained glass window as seen in religious buildings around the world. The greenhouse has various iconography to represent emotions such as peace, love, music and good times to act as a positive sanctuary in these darkened times.
About the artist: Nick Chaffe is a graphic artist, designer and illustrator based in Manchester. He recently featured on Adobe Live, showing how he designs brands and has also been an artist in residence at the Bonington Gallery in Nottingham. Working with Amnesty International, he illustrated a world-wide campaign ‘Write for Rights’ successfully encouraging Amnesty’s supporters to write to their respective Government to take action against human rights abuse.
Website: www.nickchaffe.com
Instagram: @nickchaffe Twitter: @nickchaffe
About the piece: As creatives that live and work in MediaCityUK, Carbon Creative love all forms of art. Box on the Docks was a perfect opportunity for Carbon Creative to create something that indulged their passions of music, culture and experiential design. The concept was to celebrate the musical history of Greater Manchester and how its artists and cultural movements have influenced the UK and beyond. ‘The BeatBox’ is a musical Tardis. The outside is designed as a vinyl record flight case, longing back to when superstar DJ’s would carry their treasured vinyl discs into vibrant northern dance clubs. The interior is an independent record store, showcasing music, artists and musicians that put Greater Manchester on the world stage, playing tracks through time from the Salford and Manchester music scene.
About the artists: Carbon Creative is an award-winning web design, branding, digital and advertising agency based in MediaCityUK. They create beautiful brands, wonderful websites and compelling campaigns.
Website: www.carboncreative.net
Instagram: @carboncommunity
Twitter: @carboncommunity
About the piece: A Manchester winter can be difficult at the best of times, but in the middle of a pandemic, it’s even harder to feel positive. ‘A different time of year’ searches for the silver linings through the fog, and finds lots of things that make this time special. A written account of winter wraps around the greenhouse, acknowledging that 2020 hasn’t been easy for anyone, but that despite everything, we’re doing pretty well.
About the artists: A Design and Art duo working from a studio in Ancoats, focused on making bold public art that’s accessible for everyone. Half rice, half chips, two birds, one stone. One dog, two tails, half Mike, half Sian.
Website: www.mikesian.studio
Instagram: @mikesian.studio
About the piece: L.S. Lowry is an internationally renowned artist, who was a working class Salfordian who grew up in Pendlebury, just up the road. Lowry depicts in his paintings a way of life that has now passed but still has a resonance. Salford was built by working class people and according to Daniel, this is something that needs to be remembered and celebrated. This box depicts a crowd, painted in a Lowry inspired styled way. Given the rules and regulations in today’s society about crowds, Daniel believes it will stir up emotions and remind us that one day we will be able to walk freely again, but until then we need to stay safe.
About the artist: Daniel is a scenic artist and graduate of the Manchester School of Art and the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School. As well as a practicing artist, Daniel has worked on several films, television and theatre productions.
Website: www.dwaggett.com
Instagram: @dwaggett
About the piece: On 15th January 1885 in Vermont, Wilson Bentley aged 19 took the first ever photograph of a snowflake in Vermont. Wilson arranged snowflakes under his mother’s microscope and photographed them before they melted. Wilson went on to photograph over 5000 snowflakes across a duration of 50 years, capturing this natural wonder at its finest. This box, titled ‘The Snowflake Man’ is a homage to him. Designed by Sally Gilford, this box features a holographic design inspired by his work.
About the artist: Sally is a socially engaged artist and creative producer based at the Salford Makers studio at Islington Mill in Salford. Part of her practice involves working with scientists from the Welcome Centre for Cell Matrix Research at the University of Manchester and she often combines her interest in science and nature with print, design and surface pattern.
Website: linktr.ee/sally_gilford
Instagram: @sally_gilford
About the piece: Flatpack Special presents a selection of recent designs for Vertigo Plant Based Eatery at Box on the Docks. Included is a selection of wooden pendant lamps and four ‘One Hour Stools’ and an accompanying dining table in the same style. The stools and table were developed for DIY woodworking workshops with the Bridgewater Community Garden, a community green space run by residents of the Bridgewater Street estate in Salford. We hope the soft lighting reflected in the glass of the greenhouse, coupled with the natural earthy hues of the wood evokes a warm and welcoming atmosphere, perfect for small groups of friends and family looking to come together during the winter months.
About the artist: ‘Flatpack Special’ is James Ackerley, a designer and artist working from his Salford based workshop. An interest in materials, processes and collaboration drives James’ practice and he takes a resourceful, adaptable and practical approach when undertaking each project. His work explores ways in which art can be used as a tool to teach skills and enrich people’s lives. James’ creative activities include commissions and installations for art galleries and museums, public workshops with charities and community groups as well as product design and furniture.
Website: www.paradise-works.com
Instagram: @james.ackerley
About the piece: This design is inspired by the Salford Trail – a series of walks that start and end in Salford Quays, celebrating its beauty. With many of us rediscovering local beauty spots during lockdown, this winter woodland design brings some of the beauty of the outdoors inside, allowing you to sit in a woodland scene whilst looking out at the dramatic MediaCityUK skyline. As you look out through the greenhouse you can find nestled amongst the tree branches names of places you journey through as you walk the Salford Trail.
About the artist: Abby Clarke is a theatre designer and artist living and working in South Manchester. She loves creating exciting, interesting and beautiful environments that bring people closer together – both in theatres and elsewhere. Some of Abby’s theatre designs in Manchester include Alphabus’ at The Great Northern Warehouse; ‘Abida Parveen in concert’ and ‘Unfortunate in Concert’ at The Lowry and several hit shows at HOME. Abby was nominated for Best Designer at the Stage Debut Awards 2019 and was a finalist in the 2017 Linbury Prize for Stage Design.
Website: www.abbyclarkedesign.com
Instagram: @abby.clarke.design
About the piece: The Covid-19 crisis has been tough for all of us, but particularly so for older people who have been isolated from families, friends and much of the outside world. In these incredibly difficult and uncertain times, it is more important than ever to reconnect with our communities and maintain the human connections that bind us together. A Grand Life, Heard brings generations together by celebrating true life stories as told by Salford and Manchester’s older residents, inviting you to listen in to the lessons contained within. Enter a setting reminiscent of your Grandparents’ living room, take a seat and listen in to the significant moments they’ve chosen to record for you – their joys, regrets and life lessons. Take away the gift of experience from stories that are both personal and universal and leave a message to pass onto the storytellers.
About the artists: Heard Storytelling believes in the power of true stories to change lives. They exist to help people feel heard, whether that’s at one of their storytelling events, through corporate experiences or community projects like Box on the Docks. They bring people together, one story at a time and record and showcase those stories so that others can hear, learn from and enjoy them. Heard is for everyone, every story is welcome.
With thanks to: Marni V Photography, We Are Hype, Windrush Defenders, Broughton Trust, Stories of Our Lives
Website: www.heardstorytelling.com
Facebook: HeardStorytelling
Instagram: @heard_stories
Twitter: @heard_stories
About the piece: Winter can be hard at the best of times. This year is shaping up to be the hardest ever, stripped of the pleasures that sustain us. This installation is intended to promote the positive attitudes and caring approaches that will get us through this difficult period. The soundtrack for this box has been designed by founders of Manchester Street Poem, Karl Hyde and Rick Smith from British electronic music group, Underworld.
About the artists: Manchester Street Poem is a co-produced art project highlighting the voices of our city’s marginalized communities, throwing a spotlight on the stories of those who find themselves homeless in the city – in a world where the catch-all term ‘homeless’ gave way to individuality, identity and integrity. Since their first installation for MIF17 they have grown into a cohesive art collective, even though many of them have never previously considered themselves artists. Since June 2020 they have also been a registered charity.
Website: www.mcrstreetpoem.com
Instagram and Twitter: @mcrstreetpoem
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