Future exhibitions

Download a printable copy of
calendar of events.

The Original Sustainable Department Store
Blue Patch Members
11-16 December 2018
Awards Party & Launch Celebration: Tuesday 11 December 6-9pm

Welcome to a fun packed week of sustainable shopping, free talks, workshops, socialising…

Blue Patch’s store will be sparkling with beautiful, ethically made products, creative workshops, breakfast talks, pamper nights, bubbly drinks, delicious cakes and late night shopping to 9pm.

We’ve something for everyone: organic wellbeing products, Fair Trade jewellery, ethical fashion, designer lighting, handmade furniture, ceramics, gifts and toys. Discover a new shopping experience – and just in time for Christmas!

Free tickets are available on eventbrite, search for #BStore18

Please click and check the calendar of events and times here.

Blue Patch would like to thank our Gold Patrons Thrive Renewables and Naturesave for their continuing support.

For more information please contact Jane Langley

You Can't Beat a Woman
8-19 January 2019
Private View: Monday 7 January 5-7pm

You Can’t Beat a Woman is a Heritage Lottery Fund project directed by June Freeman and Ravi Thiara.

For centuries domestic violence was both wide-spread and widely tolerated in the UK. With the resurgence of feminism in the late 1960s and the birth of anti-racism in the 1970s, however, a new awareness of domestic violence spread among young White British and British Asian and other ethnic minority women. Anger mounted over the misery and damage it caused to many women and a determination that something should be done about this grew.

The exhibition tells the story of how groups of White and Asian women began to campaign for houses to set up as refuges for women desperate to escape from violent husbands and partners. Securing a house was not enough, however. Women also had to learn how to set up viable businesses offering the services abused women needed. The exhibition outlines the way refuges developed as organisations run by women for women.

Directed and curated by June Freeman and Ravi Thiara

Roots & Rifts
22 January - 03 February 2019
Private View: Thursday 24 January 6-9pm

People grow in different ways, sometimes take directions that they never expected and experience new forms of living. Taking another path will bring new memories and could reinforce our roots, but can also produce rifts with the past. But rifts can also bring awareness and, upon reflection, enhance our original roots and make possible the understanding and acceptance of changes. Perhaps one should never get so attached to their own roots. After all, a tree must one day reach beyond its roots as we must leave our baby shoes behind. It was this thought that gave rise to Roots and Rifts.

Bringing together a group of national and international artists, the exhibition showcases works exploring a wide range of observations and experiences. These may include issues related to living abroad and identity, as well as memories and other impressions that each artist has absorbed on their journey through life.

Viola Ruehse, JC Trouboul, Huw Briggs, Rafael R., Elena Rizzardi,
Kofi Boamah, Thomas Young, Lawrence Mathias, Les Lismore,
Ben Mellor, Lizy Bending, Ida Ndoni, Marta Boros, Justyna Koziczak,
Cristina Cantilena, Marcos Buarque de Holanda. E Sap, Yuki Otake

Curated by Ana Cockerill

Boundaries & Beyond
05-17 February 2019
Private View: Thursday 07 February 6-9pm

Some people love having rules, because they know what is expected, how they should behave, and what standards are in place. Others hate rules because they feel trapped and confined by regulations. Some say that boundaries are crucial for all kinds of creativity while to others just the thought of it would send a shiver up their spine.

The artists have been invited to present artworks exploring an array of possibilities of being creative either within boundaries and/or beyond. The exhibition brings together an exciting range of artworks showcasing painting, printmaking, photography, installation, 3D and mixed media.

Either you're a rule maker, a rule taker, or a rule breaker, we would love you to come and share your thoughts and experiences with us.

Moich Abrahams, Mavis Barber, Simon Barber, Jonathan Dean,
Fabiola Retamozo, Aga Robak

Curated by Carlos de Lins

ESRC - Photo Competition for 14-18 year olds
Exhibition 26-31 March 2019

Social science research plays a vital role in our society. From big ideas to the most detailed observations, social science affects us all every day - at work, in school or college and within our communities. Social science makes our lives better - it helps society to become enriched, healthier, more resilient and sustainable.

The Better Lives competition, aimed at 14-18 year olds, is an opportunity to be creative using photography to explore the relevance of social science to society. We all want better lives and for 2018-19 the challenge is to take a photograph to show what this means to you. What brings quality to our lives? Is it better education, health and wellbeing, relationships, more money, or a safer, sustainable environment?

Enter by 7 December 2018 for a chance to have your photograph exhibited at Espacio Gallery, London, plus prizes for you and your school or youth organisation.

Follow the competition on social media using #esrcphoto.

To submit your photos please click on this link.