Upcoming show exhibits artwork by Wandsworth Prison inmates

In an attempt to highlight the rehabilitative nature of art, an exhibition will display works created by prisoners from across the country.

The Hoxtonian Gallery in Hoxton Street, Shoreditch, will open its doors to Making Time – Every Prison a Creative Hub, on November 21, 2024.  

The works are the product of eight “creative co-production engagements” with prisoners from HMP Wandsworth, HMP Pentonville, HMP Peterborough, HMP Downview, HMP Isis and HMP Standford Hill.

According to the curators, participants reported enhanced confidence, resilience, and communication skills, alongside growth in problem-solving, relationship-building, and critical thinking – all vital skills for rehabilitation.  

Co-curated by Professor Lorraine Gamman of the Design Against Crime Research Lab at Central Saint Martins, University of the Arts London (UAL), alongside Rex Gardner and the team at Love Print, this exhibition will run until December 13.

Despite many prisoners spending up to 23 hours a day in cells with limited access to education or creative resources, more than half of the UK’s prison population is neurodiverse and often benefits from hands-on, creative learning. 

Professor Gamman said:  “The evidence shows that creative learning can help reduce crime by providing vocational skills and fostering aspirations that enable prisoners to change from within, setting them on a path toward meaningful work and rehabilitation.”  

Making Time – Every Prison a Creative Hub will run at the Hoxtonian Gallery from November 21 until December 13.

Pictured top: Flip Chair, co-created by students, prisoners and designers at HMP Standford Hill (Picture: Design Against Crime Research Lab)