Exhibitions 2025

An exhibition exploring art, identity and resourcefulness through the recreation of artist’s selfies through the ages.

Sept 8th – Dec 19th 2025 (Mon-Fri, 10am-4pm)

Free admission

What do a paper lampshade, a bathrobe, and a potato masher have in common? In Staging the Self, they all become part of something unexpected - imaginative recreations of famous self-portraits using everyday household objects.

This playful and inspiring exhibition was born during lockdown, when artist and designer Will Hargreaves turned his home into a studio and started restaging iconic portraits with whatever he had to hand. What began as a fun experiment soon became a powerful exploration of art, identity, and creativity.

From ruffs made of lampshades to turbans fashioned from blankets, each piece combines humour with homage. These colourful, theatrical self-portraits show how everyday items can be transformed into something extraordinary - and invite you to do the same.

Performative Artist Talks & Workshops
Dive deeper into Staging the Self with our playful series of performative artist talks and workshops. These sessions offer an accessible and informal way into art history, bringing Will’s unique exhibition to life. Book here!

Step Into the Frame
Try it for yourself! Our dressing-up station lets you create and photograph your own self-portrait using materials inspired by the exhibition.

About Will Hargreaves
Will is a theatre designer with over 30 years of experience creating bold, imaginative productions across the UK and beyond. He’s designed for theatres from the National Theatre to the West End, and brings a passion for storytelling, sustainability and education to everything he does. Currently Course Leader at Arts University Bournemouth, Will is also a trustee of Ecostage and co-editor of the student Theatre Green Book.

With Staging the Self, Will encourages us to think differently about art, and invites us to become part of it.