Skip to main content
wedding prop hire

Wedding Prop Hire And Events Hire

By Blog

We’ve been busy bees here at Stockyard North over the past month or so.

Our team have been working diligently preparing to launch our new catalogue of props for weddings and events.

Do you have a special day lined-up that you require props for? We have a huge selection of beautiful props for hire – to include in your wedding, birthday or any other event that requires that little something extra. Read More

FAQs

By Blog

Summer is an extremely busy period for the screen industries in the north, and with a fresh flock of recent graduates to boot, we thought it was a good time to answer some of the most frequently asked questions that we receive.

 

yellow rotary phone
So, what exactly is a prop house?

Essentially, we are a big warehouse full of those bits and bobs that you see behind actors on TV. People who work in TV, film, advertising, and theatre come to us to hire said bits and bobs to make their sets look pretty.  It doesn’t sound very glamorous when we put it that way but that’s the gist.

 

Who can hire props?

Whether you are a production designer, petty cash buyer, event planner, student filmmaker, or overworked drama teacher put in charge of the school’s most recent production of Oliver, we’ve got you covered.

 

How does it work?

It’s simple, give us a call or drop us an email with your brief. Even better come down to our site, have a cuppa in the office with the team, and get the full VIP tour of the prop house. While you are here, we will run through the pricing, and prop options and organise the paperwork for you.

However, we know many just can’t make it to us. Production life is relentless and often remote, we get it. We don’t mind sending over details photos, dimensions, and quotes and we will do this as fast as we can.

 

Why can’t I see the prices on the website/in the prop house?

We honestly aren’t trying to be coy, but our prices are dependent on the duration of hire. For instance, the same chair could cost you £20 or £100 depending on how long you would like to hire it for. We will work personally on each quote to give you all the information you need for your individual production needs.

 

Do you have cleared artwork?

For anyone who has been lost in our galleried hallways you know we have an extensive collection of artwork for hire. This artwork is cleared for screen use and we can provide clearance letters upon request.

 

Can we buy the props?

We have been known to have a yard sale or two so it’s worth keeping an eye on our socials if you are interested in purchasing a piece of prop heaven for yourself.

 

I want to hire props for my wedding/party/company event/ prom…..

We do hire to the general public, and we are more than happy to help make your event look unique. We would recommend visiting us if you haven’t before, this will help to get a feel of what we have to offer and enable us to talk you through the hiring process in a little more detail.

 

Do you do any discounts?

We offer a discount to students shooting their films and/or projects. We also offer ten days of hire for the price of seven to theatres.

Will you deliver my props?

In a word, no, BUT we know who can. We have long-standing relationships with the best industry specialists in transporting props and scenery and can set up introductions to ensure your production has everything it needs logistically.

If you aren’t in the screen industry and need something a little smaller scale, we can provide you with the details of trusted smaller-scale couriers.

 

My production is running again next year and I need to store the set, can you help?

We absolutely can. We have specialist scenery storage facilities and can help with the transport logistics. Call the team today for more info and a quote.

pommel horseI have items that I want to sell, do you buy props?

Our props are sourced in a variety of ways and if there is something we need we will buy from private sellers, online auctions, and productions.  We love seeing items that people have to sell and we are absolute geeks when it comes to hearing the stories behind them however, we only have so much room (much to our annoyance) so we do have to be discerning when it comes to buying.

 

I would love to work at SN, how do I become part of the team?

We are a small team and permanent vacancies are rare, however, we often have freelancers in during busy periods or to cover annual leave. If this is something you would be interested in then contact the team mail@stockyardnorth.com or pop in for a chat.

Sporting Props.

By Blog

With the Paris 2024 Olympics nearly upon us, we have seen a huge demand for sporting props.

Our collection boasts vintage gymnasium equipment including pommel horses, trampolines, exercise bikes, goal posts, and punch bags. To complement these bigger pieces our smalls include boxing gloves, weights, rackets of all kinds, helmets, surfboards, skateboards, and horse riding accoutrement. We also have a selection of trophies, rosettes, and sport-themed wall art.

If you have something in mind that you can’t find on our website then just let us know and we will do all we can to get you the winning props!

pommel horsetarget archery board

contact us today.

a variety show theatre poster featuring the name Ike Freedman is resting on a wooden table. The room is filled with historic furnishings and light fittings.

Family History Uncovered.

By Blog

Very occasionally we get a phone call in the office that stops us in our tracks and the phone call we received from Trudy Turnbull in June of this year did just that.

Whilst watching channel four’s ‘The Gathering’ with her husband, Trudy noticed a billboard in one of the scenes. It was a 1930s variety show billboard, and it contained her father’s name, Ike Freedman. Unable to believe her eyes, Trudy contacted the production company, World Productions and they told her the billboard was a hired prop from Stockyard North.

When Trudy spoke to us she told the story of spotting her dear father’s name on one of our billboards and we were thrilled to reunite her with a piece of her family history.

a variety show theatre poster featuring the name Ike Freedman is resting on a wooden table. The room is filled with historic furnishings and light fittings.    A sheet music cover for 'only a jew' sung by Ike Freedman

Ike Freedman was born Issac Soloman in 1895 in Wigan and though the family had no connection to the stage, he made a successful career as a variety performer. Ike travelled around the world with his act however, he was a regular performer at The Princess Theatre in Glasgow. The variety billboard owned by Stockyard North was from this theatre and has made many appearances on the silver screen during its time as one of our props.

We are grateful to Trudy and her Husband Alex for sharing their family connection. It is amazing to remember the value, stories, and history found in the props held within these walls. It makes the props all the more interesting and preserving them all the more important.

If you have any questions about any of our props please don’t hesitate to contact us.

a display of on-trend ceramics and vases. There are five vases in varying natural colours against a grey background.

Beyond the Drama’s

By Blog

On-trend props for photoshoots, commercials, and content creators.

 

Whilst TV dramas and films certainly do keep us busy here at Stockyard North we don’t stop there!

Our props feature heavily in ad campaigns, music videos, fashion events, and social media marketing to name a few. Most recently we have seen some of our vintage books on the Lagavulin Commercial and our retro gym equipment was hired in the new Aldi Print campaign.

In the past year, we have also hired to the Chanel Metiers d’art Show, Amazon commercials and social media content for both Ballet Contour and musician Seb Lowe to name a few!

   Two screen shots from the recent Lagavulin Commerical. Actor Nick Offerman sits in a black leather chair. He is sitting in front of a vintage book library and holding a glass of whiskey.

Photo credits: Seb Lowe Music, Ballet Contours and Lagavulin Whiskey. 

2024 Prop Hire Trends.

We stay on top of industry and style trends to ensure we have a variety of smalls, softs, and furniture to cater to all mediums. This year we continue to work alongside many talented designers and buyers whose prop-picks have highlighted the burgeoning trends in interior design.

In particular, we love Quiet Luxury and Statement Stoneware. Our vast array of ceramics, stoneware, and domestic smalls often add the perfect understated hero piece to a photo shoot. Our haberdashery also contains a wealth of textured fabrics in muted tones. These stylish props cater to the ‘paired-back chic’ aesthetic we are seeing in both interiors and fashion right now.

a display of on-trend ceramics and vases. There are five vases in varying natural colours against a grey background.

Another popular trend we are seeing is the unification of old and new styles. Not only does this trend perfectly encapsulate our belief in breathing life into historic pieces, but it also reflects our sustainability ethos here at Stockyard North. Our prop house is full to the brim with unique vintage pieces, from gilt mirrors to cabinets, door furniture to lighting and beyond, and we can’t get enough of this sustainable trend.

Finally, as the spring turns to summer we are seeing a seasonal resurgence of biophilic design. This trend fosters a stronger connection to nature and reduces the barrier between internal and external spaces by utilising natural materials and uplifting prints.  Some of our favourite examples of this trend include our vintage bamboo units, faux greenery and rattan lamp shades.

Whichever style you are seeking, we truly have props to hire to suit every trend and any medium.

Shopping the trend.

We offer a flexible approach to propping as we fully understand the demands placed on productions.

So if you can’t make it to see us, just contact us online or call us on 0161 872 9206  to discuss your unique brief.

Otherwise come to visit our large prop house, have a cup of tea and discuss your vision with our friendly team who are always on hand to assist. We look forward to working with you.

New Prison Props

By Blog, Featured Props

Discover an extensive array of prison-themed props in our collection, featuring the latest additions including beds, sinks, and toilets. Enhance your set with an assortment of smaller items like cigarettes, games, photographs, and books, providing authenticity and a personal touch to your scenes.

We know a police drama is hugely popular up North right now, so why not familiarise yourself with what we have to offer in this department!

 

Feel free to contact us for more information or pop in to have a look around for yourself!

 

 

green market cart

Carts, Trolleys and Street Vendors.

By Blog

Looking for the perfect carts for your market set?

We have one of the largest collections of vintage carts, trolleys, and street vendors for hire in the North. Our carts are both practical and visually striking, making them the ideal addition to exterior sets.

Carts for every occasion.

As our most sought-after items, the carts have been used in a variety of productions from Peaky Blinders and War of the Worlds to local theatre productions and the RHS Flower Show. They are a versatile and interesting addition to any set. Whilst many of them are antique they are robust props that are consistently used as practical set pieces. If you have a specific use for our carts in mind we also provide a variety of complimentary dressing such as flowers, tools and crates. 

Find out more

Recently we have curated our collection of carts and added new photographs to our online catalogue.  In each item description, we have included the measurements for your convenience.

For all enquiries about the carts or any of our wide variety of street dressing please get in touch with our friendly team today.

 

green market cart red cart flat top red cart flower cart

A Contemporary abstract painting of three female silhouette's. The painting has a grey background and colourful patches.

New Props in Stock

By Blog

Colourful Contributions to our online catalogue.

 

Over the past couple of weeks, we have been focusing on updating our prop hire catalogue to feature some of our new acquisitions.

Now you will find even more of our vast array of stock online. From brightly coloured rugs to bold artwork, unique lighting options and much, much more. However, as you can imagine it is nearly impossible to include all of our prop hire stock online as it is constantly being added to. Therefore, it’s always worth popping in to see us and ever-expanding inventory!

And if you can’t find what you are looking for? Simply get in touch with our friendly team and we will be more than happy to help.

 

A canvas painting. Bold blocks of colours including blue, white, yellow and pink layered in a disjointed fashion.chrome desk lampA painting on canvas. Large brushstrokes in black and red on a white ivory background.office desk lamp yellowprop bomb shell armyA modern artwork on canvas. a montage of American Icons including Lady liberty, John F Kennedy and the White House. Cover in Abstract colours blue, red, and white.A bold contemporary painting of yellow and orange trees reflected in the river below. The painting is in a chunky gold frame.green vintage shaggy rugA Contemporary abstract painting of three female silhouette's. The painting has a grey background and colourful patches.

A photograph of the construction of a community art workshops at Plattfields Market Garden in Manchester. The image shows the community project using sustainable materials recycled from Stockyard North.

Sustainability: Stockyard North X Manchester Urban Diggers.

By Blog

Creating a More Sustainable Industry.

Stockyard North has a long history of prioritising sustainability and recycling. We recognise the need for a more sustainable future in the creative and screen industries, as a result, a few years ago created a scenery salvage and recycling department at our site in Trafford Park.

A photograph of the construction of a community art workshops at Plattfields Market Garden in Manchester. The image shows the community project using sustainable materials recycled from Stockyard North.

Thankfully sustainability is now a huge priority for the creative industries. In particular ground-breaking organisations such as Albert which provide sustainability support, training, and certification have led the way in reducing the environmental impact of productions. We continue to be inspired by such organisations to continually look at the ways we can help productions reduce their waste and carbon footprint.

When recycling a set from a production we truly let nothing go to waste. Whether it is props to be sent to local charities, creative supplies finding a new home in schools, or scenery broken down and repurposed in new and imaginative ways; we always find a purpose for salvaged materials.

Recycling materials, building relationships.

We are lucky to have many fantastic beneficiaries of our recycling service, however, there is one particular organisation that has had a huge impact on the local community. Platt Fields Market Garden, is a project by the not-for-profit social enterprise Manchester Urban Diggers.  which not only grows and supplies vegetables to the local community but also hosts events and runs a community café.

A photograph of reclaimed wooden and stained glass window panels being used at sustainable garden project, Plattfields Market Garden A photograph of a recycled water drum used at Plattfields Market Garden

Collaborating with Mike Hodson and the team at MUD CIC has been mutually beneficial. For us, it has meant being able to rehome resources to an organisation that shares our ethos. It has also allowed us to utilise materials that otherwise would have been difficult to rehome. For instance, at Platt Fields Market Garden, recycled staging from a TV production was used to build a winter events space, and assorted materials from a film were repurposed to build a new art hut.

We are incredibly proud to work with Mike and the rest of the team at MUD CIC and support their reluctance to buy new materials when so much can be repurposed. Furthermore, we are inspired by their passion for giving community gardens a new lease of life. Our collaboration illustrates that the positive impact of recycling and sustainability initiatives from the creative industries can be immeasurable.

A photograph of an indoor event at Plattfields Market Garden. The event is taking place in their sustainably sourced polytunnel with fairy lights and people sat at picnic benches Sustainably sourced wood photographed at plattfields market garden

If you think your production or company would either benefit from our recycling services or would like to be a trusted beneficiary of our recycled materials, please contact our friendly team.

We look forward to hearing from you or perhaps even seeing you at the lovely Platt Fields Market Garden Café for a cuppa soon!

14. March 2024. Written by Kate White/ Images by Mike Hodson.

Tiled images displayed a selection of vintage beauty salon furniture and props.

New in: Beauty Salon Props.

By Blog

Take a look at our new salon setup.

We are excited to have acquired some beautiful retro beauty salon props. All of the items below are available to hire from our Trafford park-based prop house along with a plethora of furniture, smalls, and textiles to compliment any set or event.

If you have any questions about these or anything else from our vast catalogue please get in touch with our friendly team at mail@stockyardnorth.com.

Tiled images displayed a selection of vintage beauty salon furniture and props.