Ingenuity Exhibition

Our latest exhibition, ‘Ingenuity’, is a sensitive exploration of resourcefulness and creativity, developed with people living in prison.

The exhibition shines a light on our historic collection of objects made in prison settings. It includes exquisite tools carved from bone, delicate torn paper playing cards, fragile messages sewn with hair and tiny pipes made from matchsticks. These evocative objects were crafted by people in prison workshops or quietly behind a cell door. They were made to pass the time, to learn from, to self-soothe, to trade, gift, communicate or amuse. They evidence care, beauty, purpose and skillful design that is a testament to the tenacity of their makers.

Visit our free gallery space to find out more. Borrow one of our printed gallery guides, and share your images and thoughts online with #NJMIngenuity