Exhibition |

Over the next few months (July 2025 – October 2025), the Black Country Woodturners are proud to be part of the “Come As You Really Are” exhibition at Wolverhampton Art Gallery.

Presented by Wolverhampton Art Gallery, Artangel, an award-winning artist (and Spider-Man enthusiast!) Hetain Patel

Come As You Really Are showcases hundreds of objects created or collected by hobbyists from across the Midlands and beyond. Alongside a brand-new film by Patel, the exhibition celebrates the creativity and individuality of people who dedicate their valuable time to pursuing passions outside of consumer-driven culture.

On display are unique handcrafted works loaned by hobbyists in diverse disciplines: knitters and needleworkers, woodturners and model makers, potters, painters and illustrators, costume and cosplay creators, model engineers, origami artists, and many more. You’ll also find fascinating collections – from vintage football programmes, kitchenalia, milk bottles, painted eggs, gnomes, and stones, to comics, action figures, and toys including Goo Jit Zu, Transformers, He-Man, and dollhouses!

The Black Country Woodturners were invited earlier this year to Exhibit their work at the “Come As You Really Are, The Hobby Cave Exhibition by Hetain Patel” at the former Grants department in Croydon.

“Come As You Really Are” by Hetain Patel features thousands of objects created, modified or collected by hobbyists across the UK, shown alongside a new artist film. Each hobby represents a decision to commit valuable time to live life on one’s own terms in a society dominated by consumerism.

Here are pictures of the 76 pieces of club member’s work on display at the exhibition. The display also includes a few pieces from other turners from around the country.

They are:- Kevin and Cameron McAlister, Sandra Nesbit, John R Kellam, Hunter Chaus & Allan Sharp.