Sustainable Innovations in Plastics Today

Join us for an afterhours chance to explore the Raw Materials: Plastics exhibition, along with a talk on plastic innovations from Sally Beken, a member of the Materials team and manager of the UK Circular Plastics Network for Innovate UK, Knowledge Transfer Network. In her roles, Beken is in touch with many of today’s plastics innovators and concerned with the reduction of plastic waste. A lively introduction to the latest thinking and designs, and a must for anyone reconsidering their use of plastics whether as a consumer, community organiser or as an artist or designer / maker.
Sally manages the UK Circular Plastics Network, which strives to find the best outcomes for all sector plastic supply chains moving towards eliminating plastic waste entering the environment.
She holds a degree in chemistry and a doctorate in polymer technology and is a Fellow of the IOM3 (Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining). Her early research investigated the thermal decomposition of end of life plastics and rubbers and chemical modifications of polymer structures. She has developed new polymer compounds to address the need to use materials compatible with HFA’s rather than CFC’s in order to meet climate change targets. In addition to her KTN role she is the owner of an up-cycling business, is a regular beach cleaner and cannot stand waste.
Please note that the gallery will open from 6pm for a chance to view the exhibition, with the talk beginning at 7pm
Tickets £3/5 (concession rate applies to under 18s, students, over 65s and Bow Arts artists)
Book tickets
 
Raw Materials explores the forgotten industrial history of plastic in east London around the River Lea. The exhibition reveals the story of east London’s central role in the invention and early development of plastics, showcasing some of the very first plastic objects alongside newly commissioned artwork which tell the story of this material’s remarkable journey. Read more about the exhibition here.
Raw Materials: Plastics has been made possible through the generous support of the National Lottery Heritage Fund and the project’s academic partner UCL.
 
Access Information
Nunnery Gallery has step-free access throughout from street level, including to the accessible toilet, and is service animal friendly. This venue does not have a hearing loop system.
Accessible parking is not available on-site but blue badge parking can be found 500m away on Fairfield Road.
If you have any questions regarding accessibility at this venue or event, would like to make us aware of any access requirements that you have in advance of visiting, or would like this information in an alternate format including Easy Read, please email nunnery@bowarts.com or call 020 8980 7774 (Ext. 3)
Travel Information
Opening hours: Tues-Sun, 10am to 5pm
Address: Nunnery Gallery, 181 Bow Road, London, E3 2SJ
Nearest station(s): Bow Road (District and Hammersmith and City lines) is a 6-minute walk away, and Bow Church (DLR) is a 3-minute walk away.
Bus: 205, 25, 425, A8, D8, 108, 276, 488 and 8 all service the surrounding area.
 
Image credit
Peter Marigold, workshop image showing moulded plastic tiles for his cabinets, 2019. © Peter Marigold