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The Horsfall

The Horsfall is a venue which is part of 42nd Street. It’s a gallery and space for creative engagement, where a programme of activity centred around art and nature is designed to support our role in developing positive mental health and wellbeing for young people.

History and Influence

Have you ever wondered where we got the name #TheHorsfall and why we place so much importance on being creative and enjoying nature?

Back in 1884, Thomas Horsfall opened the Ancoats Art Museum to improve the lives of the poor people who lived in the area. He filled his space with art and sculpture, held music recitals and public lectures, ran trips to the local countryside (which back then was Wythenshawe) and even housed live birds and rabbits in an attempt to connect people living in the surrounding slums and working 6 days a week with art, nature and beauty.

It was a very early take on what we now refer to as wellbeing, so Thomas Horsfall was way ahead of his time.

42nd Street took inspiration from Thomas Horsfall and renovated and re-opening our 18th century building in 2016 after a successful crowdfunding campaign. Since then it has been a home to group work based around the benefits of art and nature on mental health, exhibitions by new and established artists, performances, pop-up shops, special events and much more.

View our activities and events

We have also recently launched The Horsfall website so if you would like to read more about The Horsfall's origins, see how the offer has developed over time and explore the various creative projects in more detail check it out.