From makers and modifiers to crafters and collectors, Come As You Really Are is a major nationwide exhibition at Barnsley Civic that shines a light on the rich and varied creative passions of everyday people.
Come As You Really Are by Hetain Patel
24 May – 9 August 2025
The project is presented in collaboration with award-winning artist and Spider-Man enthusiast Hetain Patel and the renowned arts organisation Artangel. Come As You Really Are began with a nationwide call-out, inviting members of the public to share the creative pursuits that bring them joy in their spare time. This presentation, one in a network of 13 galleries across the country, is an inspiring, and varied collection of hundreds of hand-crafted objects and personal collections from across Barnsley and Yorkshire. Loaned objects will be shown alongside artworks by Patel, including a brand-new film commission, which elevates the outstanding creativity and passion that people put into their hobbies in the artist’s trademark cinematic style.
Exhibition highlights include:
- A remarkable display of rare Barnsley FC memorabilia curated by lifelong supporter, Frank Frostick.
- A unique collection of over 150 vintage boardgames acquired by Barnsley-based enthusiast Ann Jones
- A dazzling display of drag couture created by renowned artist Magenta Pimenta
- Artworks by Hetain Patel include two car sculptures; Somerset Road (2024), a Ford Escort rugtufted in the pattern of the artist’s grandmother’s living room carpet, and Fiesta Transformer (2013) a Ford Fiesta he transformed into a real-life Transformer in collaboration with his father.
- Unique access to parts of Barnsley Civic that have not been open to the public for over 25 years.
Come As You Really Are is a powerful celebration of hobbyists and hidden talents, exploring how creativity thrives beyond traditional artistic spaces. The exhibition expands the definition of who gets to be called an artist and invites visitors to consider the personal meaning behind creative expression.
Come As You Really Are is a nationwide project, bringing together a network of arts and culture organisations across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Presentations will take place across the UK throughout 2025–2026. Find out more at artangel.org.uk/project/come-as-you-really-are
The public can still submit details about their hobbies for a chance to be included in future iterations of the project via comeasyoureallyare.org.uk
