Exhibition Toolbag

40 Objects for 40 Years

A simple green and white graphic image of a green toolbox.

Installation Toolbag

Our toolbag is definitely one of our most important objects. This well-used and essential kit has supported the installation of over 500 exhibitions and projects over our 40 years.

Not having our own venue, we show our work in collaboration with others. We’ve worked with galleries, art centres, community centres, schools, leisure centres, care homes, parks, businesses, railway stations, churches, libraries, empty shops, on a van… and our touring exhibition partnerships are key to our practice.

Installing exhibitions is hard work! We love working with venues and being part of the team that does the practical work to actually get the exhibition on display after the months of organising and deskwork.

The bag is currently ready and waiting for the end of the Made in the Middle tour. It will be a big task, dismantling this large exhibition and making sure everything that can be is reused or recycled.

Nominated by: Emma Daker, Exhibitions and Projects Development Manager

To celebrate Craftspace’s 40th Anniversary, we commissioned the artist Stewart Francis Easton to create an artwork which would explore the story of Craftspace through 40 objects. Stewart created a series of four beautiful graphic quilts. You can see them at MAC until 12 April.

A photograph of a Stanley toolbag sat next to folders that read 'Tour manual' and 'Made in the Middle condition reports', surrounded by tools, screws and hard hats.
A photograph of exhibition furniture piled up and wrapped in clingfilm in an empty gallery space, with the exhibition toolbag sitting on top of a plinth.


Where Next

A simple pink and white graphic image of a ceramic tile that reads 'We can't stop the waves But we can learn to surf!', with a drawing of a wave.

‘We Can’t Stop the Waves’ Tile

40 Objects: ‘We Can’t Stop the Waves’ Tile

A simple pink and white graphic image of a porcelain artwork by Lucy Baxendale, of a creature smiling, covered in leaves.

Movement (2025) by Lucy Baxendale

40 Objects: Movement (2025) by Lucy Baxendale

A simple blue and white graphic image of a mug.

Mug (of tea) – James & Tilla Waters

40 Objects: Mug (of tea) – James & Tilla Waters

A simple blue and white graphic image of a hand-stitched pyramid tea bag.

Tea4Change Teabag

40 Objects: Tea4Change Teabag



We use cookies. By browsing our site you agree to our use of cookies, Find out more