'True treasure trove' of hobbies go on display

The exhibition runs at the art gallery until 5 October

More than a thousand items have been donated to what organisers say is the largest-ever exhibition of the UK's hobbies.

Come As You Really Are is being held at Wolverhampton Art Gallery until 5 October and has objects on show that have been created, modified or collected by hobbyists from across the UK.

Organisers said there were more than 150 exhibitors covering "a true treasure trove" of items, including mythological creatures, handcrafted objects, 1980s milk bottles and TV and music memorabilia.

The exhibition opened on 12 July but an official launch is being held from Friday and over the weekend.

Hetain Patel, an award-winning artist and Spiderman enthusiast from Bolton, has been involved in the exhibition and made a film about the passion and creativity people put into their hobbies, the city council said.

The exhibition opened in Croydon, south London, last year and is touring the UK in 2025 and 2026.

A spokesperson for the City of Wolverhampton Council said there was "amazing range" of objects on display.

"Visitors have been incredibly enthusiastic so far and our visitor comments book has already needed to be extended," they said.

"They are impressed by the creative talent of local people, and the vast number of objects.

"We're expecting many repeat visits as people point out that they see new things they hadn't noticed the first time."

Organisers appealed for donations earlier this year and said they were getting a positive response.

The loaned items are from hobbyists - someone who takes part in an activity on an ongoing basis - in Wolverhampton, The Black Country and across the West Midlands.