This exhibition explores the challenges faced by makers when working with their materials, reflecting on how damaged materials or outcomes—often deemed unacceptable—can inspire new creations.

Members of Designed & Made, an artist-led network for professional designer-makers dedicated to supporting excellence, innovation, and creativity in North East England, were invited to submit work that is technically flawed yet personally meaningful, or that incorporates or is inspired by a flaw, fault, or damage.

These tiles exemplify the theme of being ‘inspired by error.’ The text has been traced from notes written by an elderly lady suffering from Alzheimer’s. She composed them in English, using the phonetics of her native Polish to spell the words.

Sponsored by Arts Council England, Esmée Fairbairn Foundation and Northern Rock Foundation.