Stroud exhibition transforms discarded materials into works shaped by chance

A new exhibition exploring the creative potential of discarded packaging, paper and everyday materials will open at Stroud Valleys Artspace in September 2026.

Matthew Harris – The Cellophane Wrapper and Other Items will run at SVA, 4 John Street, Stroud, from Thursday 3 September to Saturday 12 September. The exhibition will be open from 10am to 3pm on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.

Works built over two decades

Harris will present a series of works made intermittently over the last 20 years. The exhibition is titled Notes, Memos, Prompts and brings together small works that have developed from combinations of found materials.

These materials include discarded paper, cardboard and cellophane packaging, along with unusual pieces of fabric, plastic and rubber. Harris uses them to develop images which have, over time, become starting points for larger works on paper and cloth.

Chance operations during the exhibition

The displays will not remain fixed throughout the event. During the exhibition, the work will be subjected to chance operations intended to reconfigure and re-present the imagery.

This process will create new combinations, groupings and juxtapositions, giving visitors the opportunity to see the materials and images brought together in changing ways.

A private view is scheduled for Friday 4 September from 6pm to 8pm. The exhibition is being presented by Stroud Valleys Artspace.