No patch of green too small

Solo exhibition, presented by Huddersfield Art Gallery Curates & Cultures of at University of Huddersfield
1 – 20 August 2025
Wednesday to Saturday, 10am – 3pm
Sovereign Design House, Queen Street South Annexe, Huddersfield HD1 3DR

No patch of green too small emerges at a significant moment in and beyond contemporary art, where critical questions surrounding the purpose of plants, their relationship with people and the planet are explored.

As a matter of climate emergency, we need to think differently about wild plants. Propelled by this acute awareness, artist Helen Thomas paints small patches of plants, green and otherwise, in their locales. Purposely focusing on incidental plants and organisms that grow haphazardly in the margins of our urban environment.

The exhibition presents artworks of differing scales, including: new site-specific works depicting plants growing around the University of Huddersfield estate, works from previous shows, and those presented for the first time.

No patch of green too small, the exhibition and programme are part of Expanding Blended Curation, a research project led by Dr Janine Sykes (Lecturer, University of Huddersfield) who also works as the Curator (Visual Arts) at Huddersfield Art Gallery.

No Patch of green too small – Cultures of Climate

Exxhibition poster for 'Helen Thomas, No patch of green too small' White background with black text, over a strong pink circular graphic.

No patch of green too small: Participation and Blended Curation Research by Dr Janine Sykes
No patch of green too small, the exhibition and programme are part of Expanding Blended Curation, a research project led by Dr Janine Sykes (Lecturer, University of Huddersfield) who also works as the Curator (Visual Arts) at Huddersfield Art Gallery. Blended Curation is a model that aims to achieve high-quality public participation, known as ‘Occupation’. Successful projects involve knowledge exchanges occurring with local citizens. The exhibition programme consists of artist-run workshops, informed by contemporary and historical literature on plants, including work by curator Giovanni Aloi and the first curator of Tolson Museum in Huddersfield, Seth Lister Mosley (1848–1929). These workshops are a central part of the exhibition and are held with students, community groups and partners to study the biodiversity of small patches of green in Kirklees.

Three large botanical themed paintings, by Helen Thomas, in a whte wall gallery space.
Helen Thomas, No patch of green too small, install shot, August 2025
Twelve white planks with green edges are displayed on a white gallery wall. Painted sketches of urban wild-plants are arranged across the surface of the planks.
Together and Between, green screen, acrylic and vinyl matt on planks, H Thomas 2025
Three large pencil drawings on long scrolls of paper. Displayed vertically on a white gallery wall
Sow thistle, Nettle, and Buddleja, pencil drawings by Helen Thomas, 2025

Support and Funding
No patch of green too small is supported by Huddersfield Art Gallery Curates, Kirklees Council, Cultures Of, University of Huddersfield, and Arts Council England.