New exhibition Cottonopolis: The Origins of Global Manchester opens at the John Rylands Library
Until Saturday 9 May 2026
Cottonopolis explores how 18th century Manchester was transformed into a manufacturing powerhouse and the centre of Britain鈥檚 booming cotton industry. Manchester became known as Cottonopolis.
The exhibition explores how the city鈥檚 explosive industrial growth depended on links to India, Africa and America that inspired, supplied and provided markets for its machine-made cotton goods. Read letters, factory plans and ledgers that were working documents in Manchester cotton mills. See Indian fabrics that were admired by the British cotton industry and learn how these fabrics drove innovation. Examine a rediscovered cotton sample book that traces a world of exchanges that connected Manchester to markets in Africa and the Caribbean.
The exhibition is curated by Professor Edmond Smith as part of his research for his new book Ruthless: A New History of Britain鈥檚 Rise to Wealth and Power, 1600-1800.
Entry to the John Rylands Library and all exhibitions is free.