New Funding for the Henry Watson Music Library

Arts Council England (ACE) has awarded Manchester City Council (Manchester Libraries) £52,942 to enhance the Henry Watson Music Library on the 1st floor of Grade II* listed Manchester Central Library. The popular music library holds a world-renowned collection of original music including Handel manuscripts and Vivaldi’s Four Seasons, alongside a dynamic live music and performing area, with electric and acoustic instruments for visitors to borrow for free. 

The grant, from the Arts Council’s Libraries Improvement Fund, is supported by match funding from Manchester Libraries Trust, and will fund the installation of a fully integrated digital sound recording booth, providing an accessible city centre recording facility for the increasing number of self-taught and studying musicians and performers based in Manchester,  whilst enabling filming and recording of live performances.

New heritage display cabinets will help bring the fascinating story of collector and donor Henry Watson to life and will provide practical storage space to showcase a variety of musical instruments that visitors are encouraged to try out. The addition of new flexible chairs and tables will help utilise the space for a variety of performances and sessions. The project will commence shortly and is currently scheduled for completion during autumn 2026.

The project builds on the increased activation of the Henry Watson Music Library through live performances and in-conversation events, with authors on a range of subjects including The Jam and Cargo Records. Recent performances have included local Polish pianist Daria Chromik, local Ceili band, The Mouse’s Nest, and a showcase of young musicians studying at Oxford Road’s Access Creative College. Visit Home – Library Live to for more exciting events coming up.

The investment forms part of the Arts Everywhere Fund, a bumper £1.5 billion package to support cultural infrastructure projects. Seventeen North West cultural venues, local museums and libraries are set to receive a share of almost £17 million to protect them for present and future generations – read more about the investment on the DCMS website here.

Rebecca Ball, Area Director, North, Arts Council England said:

“Our museums, libraries and arts organisations have the power to change lives, they give us access to new worlds, teach us about our heritage and give us new perspectives on life. I’m so pleased that we’ll be supporting so many of our cultural organisations in the North with this capital investment, which will ensure that they can continue to deliver incredible arts and culture to their communities.”