Frank Sidebottom exhibition draws more than 1,000 visitors to Sale

A special exhibition dedicated to Timperley’s Frank Sidebottom has attracted more than 1,000 visitors to Sale – with fans travelling from as far as Turkey and the USA to celebrate the cult character.

The exhibition was curated by Gary Maguire. Image: Trafford Council

Frank’s World, created by Trafford Council’s Local Studies team, ran over the summer at Sale Library and Archive Centre. In total, the Local Studies team reported an extra 2,345 visitors to the archive during the summer exhibition.

Frank Sidebottom, the papier-mâché-headed alter-ego of musician and comedian Chris Sievey, remains a much-loved figure in Trafford and beyond. Sievey first brought Frank to life in 1984 and continued to perform as the larger-than-life character until his death in 2010.

A Trafford Council spokesperson said: “It’s a tribute to Chris Sievey’s genius that so many people came to see the exhibition.

“The Local studies team did a fantastic job and it’s another great example of the culture we have here in our borough.

“Chris was a true Trafford legend so it’s great to honour him in this way.”

Image © Life in Sale

Curated by Gary Maguire, the exhibition featured original Frank Sidebottom drawings, comics, memorabilia and costumes – including the famous red-and-blue strip jacket worn during many of Frank’s TV appearances, and the Timperley Big Shorts FC shirt.

Gary Maguire said he had been overwhelmed by the response to his first-ever curatorial project: “This was the first time I have been involved in setting up an exhibition, but your advice and guidance really made it an easy experience.

“I have been surprised by the number of visitors but more so by the positive response and feedback. Overall, I found the whole experience very rewarding and thank you again for your help.”

The exhibition confirmed Frank’s enduring place in local culture – and showed that, even 15 years after Chris Sievey’s passing, his unique brand of humour and creativity still brings people together in Trafford – and beyond.