Exhibition: Come As You Really Are

This exhibition features thousands of unique hand-crafted objects loaned by hundreds of people of all ages, backgrounds and professions from across the UK.

In January 2024, people from across the UK responded to a public call-out for information about their hobbies, sharing their personal stories of what these activities mean to them and why they pursue them with such dedication. Over 1500 responses form the basis of the exhibition, which will feature familiar pastimes such as arts and crafts, knitting, Lego creations, Warhammer figurines, football shirt collecting and miniature model making, alongside lesser-known hobbies, including doll customisation, micro-ceramics, car modification, chainmail jewellery, making 19th century banjos, and furniture upcycled from broken skateboards.

The project demonstrates how individuals express themselves and assert agency through the activities they pursue and the things they make and collect. Some people started hobbies during lockdown, whilst others have been doing their hobbies for decades. Many find they offer a moment of escapism and provide an outlet from studying, work or caring duties, while for some they are a means of connecting with others and finding a sense of purpose.