People of NOMA: Beth Travers

28 July 2026

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A vibrant new artwork is currently taking shape behind the scenes as the final piece of Together We Rise – a year-long project inspired by pioneering balloonist James Sadler. Created by Manchester artist Beth Travers, the mural will celebrate one of the city’s most fascinating historical figures through bold colour and striking design when it is unveiled in Sadler’s Yard later this summer.

Combining public art, live drawing sessions and community events, the project explores Manchester’s long-standing culture of innovation while shining a light on a little-known chapter of the city’s history.

NOMA is proud to sponsor the ‘Together We Rise’ project with Material Source, collaborating to deliver a programme of free-to-attend workshops and events that bring together the area’s creative community. This partnership not only supports the retailers and community at NOMA but also creates opportunities for a wider network of creatives to come together, collaborate and share ideas.

We caught up with Beth to chat about the inspiration behind the project, her creative process, and how being part of NOMA’s growing community has shaped the experience.

Tell us a little about yourself and your business, BOBO1325?

I’m a surface pattern designer, so I work across interiors and pretty much anything you can apply pattern to. My work combines bold colour, storytelling and illustration, and I’m lucky enough to be based at Material Source Studio here in NOMA alongside lots of incredible designers and creative businesses.

The name BOBO1325 actually comes from my family nickname, “Bobo”, which I’d been called since I was a child. The numbers reference my grandad’s birthday – he was my best friend and one of my biggest supporters who always encouraged me creatively, so it felt like the right name to carry into the business.

For those who might not be familiar, what is the James Sadler project and what does it aim to celebrate?

James Sadler was a real pioneer. He’s widely recognised as Britain’s first balloonist or aeronaut, but he was also a pastry chef and chemist whose ideas influenced several different fields.

What’s fascinating is that despite how groundbreaking he was, his story has almost been erased from the history books over time. The project celebrates not only Sadler’s legacy and the 10 years of Sadler’s Yard, but also the bold thinking, curiosity and originality that still define Manchester today.

How did you approach translating James Sadler’s story into your own visual style?

I really wanted the artwork to feel immersive and full of discovery, almost like travelling through different parts of James Sadler’s life. There are references to his balloon flights throughout the piece, alongside smaller nods to his background in pastry and chemistry.

Visually, my work naturally leans towards bold colour and storytelling, so I wanted to create something vibrant that would really stand out within Sadler’s Yard and encourage people to stop, look closer and engage with the story behind it.

What does your creative process look like when developing a piece like this, from initial idea through to final design?

A lot of the project started with sketchbook work and exploring different visual references linked to James Sadler’s life and personality. From there, the ideas gradually evolved into larger concepts and eventually the mural itself.

One of the best parts of the process has been how collaborative it’s been. Through live sketchbook sessions and conversations throughout the project, people have stopped to ask questions, share thoughts and engage with the work as it developed, which has made the whole experience really rewarding.

What can people expect from the mural in Sadler’s Yard?

People can expect something really bold, colourful and full of detail. I wanted the mural to feel energetic and eye-catching while still telling a story as you move across the artwork.

Hopefully it’s the kind of piece that encourages people to pause for a moment and discover something unexpected about both James Sadler and the history of the neighbourhood.

How has working within NOMA, and from Material Source, influenced the way this project has developed?

Being surrounded by architects, designers and other creative businesses has definitely shaped the project in exciting ways. There’s such a supportive atmosphere within NOMA and Material Source, and that openness to ideas and collaboration has been a huge part of the experience.

It’s also shown me how powerful public art can be in bringing people together and helping people feel connected to a place.

How important is it to you to be contributing to Manchester’s creative and cultural landscape through projects like this?

It means a lot. Manchester has always been a city built on bold ideas, creativity and people willing to do things differently, and I think James Sadler’s story reflects that perfectly.

Projects like this are a chance to celebrate that spirit while also creating spaces that encourage conversation, curiosity and connection within the city.

Any last words?

‘Together We Rise’ has been such a rewarding project to be part of. Watching people stop in Sadler’s Yard, ask questions and engage with the artwork has been really special, and I think that’s what public art is all about.

I’m also really excited for people to see the final mural come together over the summer. Hopefully it encourages more people to discover James Sadler’s story and spend time exploring everything NOMA has to offer.

This interview was supported by our tenants, dBs Music Institute, based here at NOMA.
A special thank you to our sound engineer, Kanaz, a student at dBs Music Institute studying Music Production and Sound Engineering.
dBs Music Institute offers a range of industry-focused courses in music production, sound engineering and related creative disciplines. To find out more about the college and its courses, visit dbsinstitute.ac.uk.