An exhibition exploring work, rest, and community.

8th May – 11th June 2026

Many Hands considered the societal pressure to constantly work or ‘do’ something, versus our post-pandemic understanding of human fragility; we are not machines, we are created to rest regularly. Featuring an illuminated paper & photographic installation, the exhibition asked questions about life defined by production, consumption and commodity; participation in community; and the gift economy. How could many hands support change? Visitors to SAW were invited to take a moment to think and contribute to our sculpture, by folding a paper brick. Many Hands was part of our ongoing Creating Fallow programme.

The inspiration behind SAW’s brickmaking activities has been taken from a text written over 2500 years ago – you can read a pdf copy of the gallery text which explored this here (we will update this page with a more accessible and integrated version as soon as possible).

Many Hands opened with a launch event as part of The Late Shows on Friday 8th May, 6:30 – 10:30pm, and then ran from Tuesday 12th May – Thursday 11th June 2026.

Co-building as part of Many Hands

The exhibition centred around an illuminated paper and photographic installation, made up of hundreds of folded paper bricks created by members of the SAW community. The SAW team produced packs containing everything needed to make five bricks which community members took home with them to make their bricks, returning and adding these to the exhibition installation. A making space within the exhibition also provided materials and a dedicated area to make bricks, including written and video instructions to guide SAW’s visitors in how to fold a brick.

Opening Times

8th May – 11th June // Tuesday – Thursday // 11am – 4pm

Additional Openings

Monday 11th May // 4.30-6.30pm

Monday 18th May // 4.30-6.30pm

Monday 1st June // 4.30-6.30pm

Saturday 6th June // 11am – 3pm

SAW Reflects

Tuesday 9th June // 6.30 – 8pm