Opening Event: We all Repair

Collectively reflecting on the act of repair

This exhibition in The Gallery Cafe by Breaks & Joins in partnership with St Margaret’s House builds on a small exhibition we created together in September 2025 in the Chapel to celebrate Second Hand September (Many Hands - Make Mending Matter). We shared photos of the people who come to our Repair Cafes - the stories of the hands that mend and the people who bring the things to be mended, alongside people's particular stories of what mending meant to them. This year, we are taking that further and looking more closely at repair: of things, of people and of our communities.

What impact can we have by not buying new and finding ways to repair? We can prevent waste, but can we also create something more beautiful and a process that brings people together?

Join us for the Opening Event of this exhibition, which is on throughout the whole of Second Hand September. As part of the evening, SMH Arts & Wellbeing Director, Beccy Allen, will be 'In Conversation' with Chuck Blue Lowry and Sue Mayo, the artist duo who make up Breaks & Joins. 

About Breaks & Joins:
Breaks & Joins explores the repair of our stuff, ourselves and our communities. We engage in creative conversations through workshops, interventions, events and training to make physical and digital artworks which celebrate and interrogate repair as a radical act.

Social Media:
@breaks_and_joins

Contact: If you have any questions regarding this exhibition, please email programming@stmargaretshouse.org.uk

Venue: The Gallery Cafe at St Margaret’s House, 21 Old Ford Road, London, E2 9PL

Access: Step-free entry to The Gallery Cafe is at the rear, through the garden. It is accessible through the gate located two doors to the left of the cafe’s main entrance. If you require access to an accessible toilet, please get in touch with us on 020 8980 2092 or email programming@stmargaretshouse.org.uk so we can arrange this for you.

Food and Drink: Please be aware that the Cafe will not be serving everything it does during the day. No coffees, but you can buy teas, beer, wine and soft drinks and a selection of salads from the menu or crisps.

Dates: Thursday 3rd September

Times: 6-8pm ('In Conversation' from 6.45pm)

Tickets: Free (but booking is essential)