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Huge hobby exhibition deluged with donations

Caroline Gall
BBC News, West Midlands
Lia Toby Mr Patel is sat down next to a life-size Spiderman model wearing a red and blue costume with a black spider on the front. Mr Patel is wearing jeans and a cream jumper. Behind them are rows of plastic bags with company logos onLia Toby
The gallery is working with Hetain Patel, an award-winning artist and Spiderman fan

An art gallery planning what it claims will be the largest-ever exhibition of the UK's hobbies says it has had a "fantastic" response to an appeal for contributions.

Wolverhampton Art Gallery will host Come As You Really Are from 12 July to 5 October, displaying objects created by hobbyists from people across the UK.

Since it launched the appeal in January, a spokesperson said they have received everything from "felted animals and knitted creations to model trains and cosplay costumes".

They added they were still after more items especially upcycled furniture, music memorabilia collections and around cosplay and dressmaking.

Thierrry Bal Numerous hobbies on display that include cartoon characters, models and art. They are spread around a large room with a staircase at the back and a wood floor. Posters are on the wall along with paintings.Thierrry Bal
Many items are already on display in the exhibition, a gallery spokesperson said

To be part of the exhibition, people must be based in the UK and call themselves hobbyists - someone who takes part in an activity on an ongoing basis.

Hetain Patel, award-winning artist and Spiderman enthusiast from Bolton, is involved in the exhibition which will travel around the country.

The spokesperson said they would also like to showcase stained glass, toys and models, nail art and "quirky and unexpected" collections.

The deadline for submissions is 30 March.

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