‘What’s Next’ booklet commissioned for The Bridgewater Hall, Manchester

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18 Aug

I was absolutely delighted to be invited back to collaborate with the team at The Bridgewater Hall once again!

Following the success of our previous activity booklets, the team wanted to create a companion guide to their ‘Family Discovery’ booklet. The goal was to signpost families toward other exciting musical workshops and opportunities across Manchester.

Preliminary sketches of a small, cute mouse character intended for a musical activity booklet fo the Bridgewater Hall, by illustrator Melanie Williamson — Mouse sketches

Meet Banjo the Mouse

One of my favorite parts of this project was illustrating the "musical mouse." Legend has it there’s a mouse that lives inside the venue’s massive pipe organ! While he didn't come with a name, I decided he needed one - so, meet Banjo. 🐭

Illustrations of a cheerful musical mouse for the Bridgewater Hall, Manchester by Melanie Williamson — Banjo mouse being musical 🎵

Rolli’s New Groove

It was also fantastic to revisit Rolli, the resident music monster. We’ve featured him before, but this time we gave him a bit of a rock-star upgrade: he’s now strumming an electric guitar!

Illustration of a cute monster playing an electric guitar for the Bridgewater Hall Manchester, by Melanie Williamson — Rolli strumming his electric guitar

Manchester’s Musical Landmarks

The booklet includes recommendations for other musical hubs in the city, so I had the pleasure of illustrating three of Manchester’s iconic music venues.

Illustrations of three Manchester music venues, by illustrator Melanie Williamson — Iconic Manchester music venues - The Palace Theatre, The RNCM and Band on the Wall

Inclusive Music-Making

This project also introduced me to some specialized instruments I hadn't encountered before. The team at The Bridgewater Hall provided some references to ensure my illustrations of children using SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disability) aid instruments were both accurate and celebratory of the inclusive music-making they champion.

Two inclusive illustrations of children playing specialized SEND aid musical instruments., by Melanie Williamson — Musical aids for SEND children

Working with the team at The Bridgewater Hall is always such a highlight. They are so passionate about what they do, and I feel honored to help them share that magic with families across Manchester.