We were commissioned to design, manufacture and install exhibition furniture for the We are Commoner’s national touring exhibition 2021- 2022 curated by Craftspace. Featuring UK and international artists, the projects showcased in the exhibition represent ideas and provide resources to inspire acts of ‘commoning’.

In response to the design brief, we explored ideas around shared ownership and the act of playing together. We were drawn to places we all share and envisaged an exhibition display that could activate the power of social cooperation in getting things done. Joining together, making together, and making connections shaped our initial thinking and led us to the idea of creating a set of common components which could be used and configured in a variety of ways.

We created a kit of parts akin to components seen in construction games like Meccano and Lego. The linear frameworks are simply bolted together, using a pair of Allen keys and the tension of a bungee cord. It can be flat packed easily for transportation and nods to DIY principles by suggesting that you can do it yourself. This approach adds to the longevity of the design offering the opportunity for these components to take on a new life after the exhibition tour enabling them to be reused, reconfigured and rebuilt in new ways within the community.

“Dual Works were commissioned to design and create the exhibition build for our national touring exhibition We are Commoners. Zoe and Steve responded to our brief and the themes and ethos of the exhibition with creativity and practicality. They devised a visual identity in collaboration with the exhibition’s graphic designer that referenced ideas of play, DIY and reuse. The build they have created is a clean aesthetic but striking which is important to mark out Craftspace’s work in the various tour venues. It is also practical and robust for touring; easily packed down, stored or transported and assembled. The best thing is it is all reusable or recyclable! Zoe and Steve were a pleasure and fun to work with too, making the whole process enjoyable.”
Emma Daker Exhibitions and Project Development Manager Craftspace

We Are Commoners