Playful and playable art

Porcelain figurines as beanbags: a special presentation of the ceramics collection can be seen at the Bowes Museum in Barnard Castle from July 26. Artist Pippa Hale has created several large beanbag sculptures based on antique porcelain figurines from the collection, for example a black and yellow pied Staffordshire Pottery cat from around 1875. Visitors to the exhibition can interact with Hale's works, be creative in a playful way and discover new perspectives on old ceramics. The combination of creativity and play is a fundamental approach in the work of the artist, who has already realized many interactive art projects for children and adults. Pippa Hale: Pet Project runs until March 1, 2026 and the exhibition continues to offer detailed insights into historical ceramic production, the background to the collection and the opportunity to make your own figurines for private use.

The ceramics collection comes from Joséphine and John Bowes, who donated the museum. Their collection spanned the 16th to 19th centuries and included works by almost every known maker of the time. It is considered a pioneering achievement in its field. Over 50 figures from the collection are on display in the current exhibition.

Pippa Hale lives and works in Leeds. Her work revolves around the themes of social history, geography and play. Her large-scale installations, which can use a wide range of materials such as foam, inflatables, food, film, wood or clay, are often site-specific works. In a playful way, Hale attempts to bridge the gaps between the present and the past and to convey history in exciting ways. Exhibitions by Pippa Hale have been shown in Bristol, Leeds, Gateshead and London.