The first major retrospective of Helen Chadwick in over 25 years, Life Pleasures will trace the evolution of the artist’s practice, from her iconic degree show piece In the Kitchen (1977) to the groundbreaking Piss Flowers (1991–2). It will take place from 17 May – 27 October 2025 and is not to be missed!

Helen Chadwick was one of Britain’s most prominent and most provocative contemporary artists. Her work has become increasingly known since the mid-seventies for challenging stereotyped perceptions of the body in elegant yet unconventional forms. 

Known for challenging traditional notions of beauty in art, Chadwick’s work often combined aesthetic appeal with unconventional and sometimes grotesque materials, including bodily fluids, meat, flowers, chocolate, and compost. Her innovative use of fabrication techniques and advanced technologies helped establish her as a key figure in Britain’s postwar avant-garde, and she was one of the first women artists nominated for the Turner Prize in 1987.

This exhibition will highlight Chadwick’s significance in both British and international art history, focusing on her contributions to material culture, her relevance to contemporary feminist issues, and her consistently playful approach to art-making.

Image: In the Kitchen (Washing Machine), 1977