Saley the Bridgewater Rat (2021)

What’s this all about?

This project is inspired by the stretch of canal where I live in Sale near Manchester. The 0.5 mile stretch between Whites Bridge and Waterside Plaza is a busy place, used as both an access route and a base. There are private residences, pubs, beer gardens, restaurants, an arts centre, library and council buildings. There are a wide variety of businesses, from small offices to large warehouses. It's home to adventure & water activities and is a meeting place for recreational runners, walkers and cyclists. Boats are moored up and leisurely pass through. It's used by busy commuters rushing to work and locals making their way into town. There are leafy suburbs to the south or the big city to the north. There is beautiful wildlife and nature nestled amongst the urban practicality. It has a rich history but is also very relevant to our lives today. I wanted to make a puppet that celebrated all this variety of life, so I made 'Saley the Bridgewater Rat'.

So, tell me about Saley

Saley is a stop motion puppet made using objects donated and inspired by businesses, groups and organisations along the canal... Pizza boxes, life jacket foam, branches, wine corks, cleaning cloths, electrical wire, old rope and many more bits and bobs (a full list of contributors can be found below). Little details of the design are also informed by things I observed along the canal, including signage, metal work and nature. I kept a sketch book full of notes, photos, processes and references (I’ll be sharing and documenting this soon! Watch this space)

I recently made a short walk animation with Saley. I tested the functionality with some movements and walk cycles and tried to find his 'character'. He is a rat with and purpose and somewhere to go, but also one that has a loungey relaxed style. He is busy but easy going. I learnt a lot and hope to take all this forward into the next stage of the project.

How did you get this far?

I was able to make Saley thanks to an animation seed grant from Creative Industries Trafford, based at the Waterside Arts, Sale. They asked the recipients to use the Cosgrove Hall Film Archive (also based at Waterside) as inspiration for any animations. Cosgrove Hall were a Manchester animation studio who made many great films and shows, including the 1983 classic stop-motion 'Wind in the Willows'... So my idea for an anthropomorphic rat seemed to fit the bill.

What’s Next? How can I get involved?

I hope to learn from the animation to refine the general puppet design. I also hope to continue research into other areas along the canal (Timperly, Old Trafford…) and hopefully make more Bridgewater Rats.

As Saley is a unique and experimental puppet, I have made a limited edition blueprint illustration of Saley and all his component parts. If you want something more special why not get one of the  hand drawn sketches. Both these will be signed and numbered and are only available during this fundraising campaign.  By buying one of these posters you are effectively sponsoring Saley and helping to bring him and the Bridgewater Rats to life. 

Will the Bridgewater Rats become a cult hit? Will the Saley posters be worth millions? I'm not saying they won't. Whatever happens though, the poster will remind you that you helped an artist make something unique - something that wouldn't exist without your help. 

As a backer of the project I'll send you updates on the research and development. Plus, as I produce further animations I'll add your names to the credits as a valued supporter. 

These businesses and organisations (located on the canal stretch) donated and inspired the materials used for the puppet; The Bridge Pub, Floorbrite, TWJ Accountants, Intelligent Controls, Palletower, Protective Packaging, J.C Quirk, Sustrans, Boccard, Slug & Lettuce, Trafford Libraries, Local Studies Centre, Mano a Bocca, Waterside Arts, The Kings Ransom, Mile Shy Club, Grip Adventure... And the friendly canal boat folk.