Showcasing diverse examples of creative reuse, from historical samples of the Japanese art of Kintsugi and Boro, which embrace upcycling and repurposing, to works from contemporary artists who put repair at the heart of their practice, Eternally Yours explores the unexpectedly hopeful and healing stories that repair reveals. In light of the recent global pandemic, the exhibition seeks to unpack how ‘repair’ can guide both our individual and collective healing.
On Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays visitors have the chance to see the talents and skills of designers and makers in action first-hand at the Beasley Brothers’ Repair Shop, they transform discarded objects to give them a new lease of life. The brainchild of designer Carl Clerkin, the installation is modelled on traditional East End repair shops of old, that could and would repair anything. Sitting at the heart of the exhibition, the shop also runs live workshops and skills training.
Bringing together everything from textiles and ceramics to furniture, Eternally Yours reflects upon the hope and healing which can be found in the memories and stories that everyday objects hold in our lives. Celebrating the history and emotional value of the items we hold on to, rather than discard, the exhibition highlights works from a broad range of creatives, including textile artists Celia Pym, Angela Maddock and Georgina Maxim, designers Studio Propolis, artist and researcher Ellen Sampson and maker Peter Marigold.
Eternally Yours is accompanied by a display of works from participating artists exploring the concept of repair led by lifestyle brand TOAST. From sculptural furniture by Tom Collison and reconstructed garments by Isabel Fletcher and Amy Goacher, to imaginatively repaired ceramics by Bridget Harvey and kantha-stitched textiles by Ekta Kaul, each piece is an expression of creative mending and repurposing techniques.
TOAST continually seeks out ways to extend the life of garments, encouraging their community to do the same with their cherished pieces. In addition to displayed works, The TOAST Renewal workshop space in the Courtyard Rooms hosts weekly artist-led workshops and mending consultations. Artist Molly Martin will discuss sashiko repair while TOAST Renewal specialists will offer one-to-one sessions demonstrating traditional repair techniques. In this way, TOAST hopes to inspire people to try a variety of craft techniques and reconsider their relationship with clothing.
