Hobbyists wanted for upcoming exhibition

An art gallery is encouraging locals to submit pictures of their hobbies for the chance to showcase them in an upcoming exhibition.

The Wolverhampton Art Gallery is hosting Come As You Really Are, the largest-ever exhibition of the UK's hobbies, from 12 July to 5 October.

It will display objects created by hobbyists from people across the Midlands, alongside those from people across the UK.

The gallery is working with London-based art organisation, Artangel, and award-winning artist and Spider-Man enthusiast, Hetain Patel.

To have the chance to take part, the public just needs to submit photos of their hobby from their phone.

Hundreds of unique items are already on display in the exhibition, which travels around the country, including costumes, knitting, robotics and origami.

To be eligible, respondents must be UK-based and self-identify as a hobbyist - someone who takes part in an activity on an ongoing basis.

"Come As You Really Are is a unique opportunity to spotlight the incredible creativity and dedication of hobbyists in Wolverhampton, the Midlands and beyond," said councillor Chris Burden at the City of Wolverhampton Council.

"We're thrilled to collaborate with Hetain Patel and Artangel to showcase these hidden talents and invite the public to share their own creations in this celebration of living life on one's own terms.

"This exhibition promises to be as diverse and inspiring as the communities it represents."

Mr Patel said he had always been obsessed with 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 public has until 30 March to submit their hobbies.

Follow BBC Wolverhampton & Black Country on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.