Opening Saturday 24th May 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.
Hetain Patel says:
“I’ve always been obsessed by handmade things. Growing up in Bolton, in a working class culturally Indian household, we ate with our hands, and many of my relatives worked as part of the manual labour force in local factories. The empowering thing about hobbies is choice, and doing something on our own terms. The creative act is really hopeful, with huge benefits to us individually and something that connects us to others regardless of our differences.”
Dr. Dan Winder, Chief Executive and Artistic Director of Barnsley Civic, says:
“As a fellow Boltonian, I share some of Hetain’s cultural beginnings. Across the north of England our cities and towns are full of people with hidden private passions. This wonderful exhibition, and the wider programme of events, will bring to light the extraordinary range of hobbies and personal acts of creativity that illustrate our unique individuality and our collective humanity.”
Come As You Really Are opens on Saturday 24th May, with a vibrant launch event featuring:
- An exhibition tour with Hetain Patel
- Live music, craft, and dance demonstrations from local hobbyists
- Drop-in sessions and hands-on taster activities
- A chance to discover some wonderfully unexpected pastimes
- Live Radio Broadcast by volunteer led local radio station Penistone FM
The exhibition runs until 9th August, with a series of talks and events exploring the stories behind hobbies and creative pursuits throughout its run. Admission is free.
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
