Toad Lane Rochdale

The historic, cobbled Toad Lane is perhaps one of the most culturally significant in Rochdale. The Cooperative movement – known then as the Rochdale Society of Equitable Pioneers – was founded right here at 31 Toad Lane in 1844. Now a conservation area, Toad Lane is home to the Rochdale Pioneer’s Museum and the popular real ale pub, The Baum. If this street could talk, I bet it could tell a story or two.

This is a professionally printed, signed giclée fine art print made from my original pen drawing of Toad Lane in Rochdale. It measures 297 x 210mm (A4). If you would like to order a larger size print, please get in touch for a bespoke quote.

£40.00

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Details

  • paper
    297mm x 210mm (A4)
    310 gsm Hahnemühle German Etching paper
  • Print
    Printed on archival paper using archival pigment inks.
  • signed
    Yes
  • Framing
    Unframed.
The story behind the drawing

Why did I draw it?

Toad Lane is probably one of my favourite areas of Rochdale. It’s historical, it’s pretty, and it’s home to a fantastic pub. It’s a place I’ve spent a lot of time in, and have always appreciated the quirkiness of its appearance.

the process

I originally created my pen illustration of Toad Lane across two pages of my sketchbook. I began by drawing 31 Toad Lane – now home to the Pioneer’s Museum. If you’re not familiar with Rochdale history, it was inside this very building that the Cooperative movement was founded in 1844. What started as a small local society soon became the blueprint for cooperatives all over the world, and grew into the Co-Op group as we know it today. I inked the Pioneer’s Museum onto the paper brick-by-brick until I eventually reached the first bay window of The Baum pub.

If you’ve ever walked past, you’ll know that this window is decorated to look like an old toy shop and is inhabited by quite a spooky-looking fella. Named Garrett, he’s the mascot for Rochdale Ghost Walks, and he features in the doodle alongside the large doll house that also decorates this window display.
By the time I’d sketched up to the front door of The Baum, I knew the end was in sight. I was a bit worried that I might not have been able to squeeze in the gas lamp that illuminates the top corner of the building, but it turned out that I had plenty of room. Phew!

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