Thanks for Trying is an exhibition illustrating some of the weird, wonderful and wrong items that have found their way into household recycling in recent weeks. The project is curated by internationally acclaimed artist Mat Kemp whose experience in working with recycled and “found” artefacts has helped bring to life an array of objects rejected from north London’s household recycling stream. This extraordinary exhibition is designed to provoke thought and discussion around our recycling habits.

From rusty hedge trimmers to broken blenders, natty knitwear to scratched up spectacles, all sorts of items find their way into the recycling bin, put there by well-meaning members of the public. This exhibition aims to show these items in a new light. Despite the aesthetic delight and intrigue of the pieces, a serious underlying message underpins the project which is commissioned by North London Waste Authority (NLWA). Even with the best of intentions, some household items simply cannot go in the household recycling bin – putting them in there can have big consequences on the recycling process.

Thanks For Trying celebrates the idea that people don’t want to completely bin off their once beloved items but illustrates that the recycling bin is actually not the answer. Instead, check with your local authority or at the very least stick with the obvious cardboard, clear plastics, glass and cans. If in doubt, it’s best to leave it out.

Visit the Thanks For Trying exhibit and discover the beauty in the discarded, the wonder in the weird, and the soul in the unwanted – you will never look at rubbish in the same way again!

Following this launch, the exhibition will tour across north London Boroughs – Barnet, Enfield Hackney, Haringey, Islington and Waltham Forest, so watch this space!

• When: 20-23 July 2021 – Tuesday-Thursday 11am to 6pm (last entry 5.30pm), Friday 11pm-4pm (last entry 3.30pm)
• Where: Kiosk N1C, Coal Drops Yard, 108 Lower Stable Street, Kings Cross, London N1C 4DQ
• Admission: Free