Visual Story: 'Harold Offeh: Mmm Gotta Try a Little Harder, It Could Be Sweet'

This handy guide outlines what to expect when visiting the exhibition Harold Offeh: Mmm, Gotta Try a Little Harder, It Could Be Sweet, particularly focussing on different sensory elements in the exhibition.

General Information

Seating is available in all the exhibition spaces. There are also lightweight portable seats available that you’re welcome to carry around.
Most artworks are visible at wheelchair level.
Large print guides are available in both the galleries and the Research Space on the first floor.
Ear defenders are available in the space between the galleries.
Accessible & gender-neutral toilets are available on the ground and first floors.
There are quiet spaces in the Reflect & Respond Space on the second floor (mostly quiet), and outdoors in St Peter’s churchyard and the Kettle’s Yard garden. Please note, St Peter’s churchyard and the Kettle’s Yard garden are not accessible for wheelchair users.
Sensory Backpacks are available at the Reception Desk. Please ask a member of staff if you would like one.
All the video content from the exhibition is available on our free digital guide on Bloomberg Connects. The digital guide is available on tablets provided in the galleries and personal mobile phones through the Bloomberg Connects App or by scanning the QR codes in the galleries.
We have Visitor Assistants in the galleries who will be happy to provide assistance or answer any questions you may have.

Once you’ve entered the Kettle’s Yard building through the automatic glass doors, the exhibition is towards your left. The two galleries can be accessed by steps or ramp. There is a handrail for both of these.
Next to the steps/ramp is a white wall with “Mmm” (part of the exhibition title) written in large pink letters.
There is a sound artwork with changing volume, tone and pitch audible in this area. This area can become noisy – if you would like to use a pair of ear defenders, please speak to a member of staff.
Once you have come down the steps/ramp, there is text in black on a white wall to your right that introduces the exhibition and the artist.

The exhibition begins in the room on your left as you come down the steps/ramp. The room has consistent lighting. There is ambient music playing in the room.
Part of the title of the exhibition “Gotta Try a Little Harder” is painted on the walls across the room in large blue letters. Artworks, mostly photographs and videos, are installed over these letters.
There are several TV screens in the room with a variety of videos playing on them. All of the videos with spoken words are captioned.
There are headphones attached that you can use to listen as you watch the videos. Some headphones have trailing wires – please be careful when walking close to TV screens.
Please note, the content of a video artwork titled Covers on the right-side wall is not suitable for children.

Colourful fabric curtains hang at the centre of the room – you’re welcome to touch them and walk inside the area enclosed by the curtains using either of the two entrances. There is a large circular seat inside the curtains which you can sit on. Please ask a member of staff if you need any assistance.
There are three TV screens placed at floor level. The TV cables are stuck onto the grey floor using black tape, creating a elevated surface – please be careful while walking around this area.
There is a hanging blue costume close to the curtains – please avoid touching it as it is fragile.

Two video pieces in this gallery have no sound – Being Mammy, Mammy’s Looks, 2006 and Selfie Choreography, 2020.
The TV screen on the left side of the gallery entrance has flashing images.
There is a free-hanging video projection screen with video playing in front of a long window with low contrast – please take care in this area.
Headphones for this video work hang on pegs on the wall to the right of the screen. The pegs are the same colour as the wall – please be careful so you don’t knock against them.

The exhibition continues in the room straight ahead as you come down the steps/ramp. The room has consistent lighting.
Part of the title of the exhibition “It Could Be Sweet” is painted on the walls across the room in large orange letters. Artworks, mostly photographs and videos, are installed on top of these letters.
There is a circular table on the right side with activities – paper, coloured ink and stamps embossed with images and letters. You’re welcome to touch, interact and play with these.

There is a circular printed graphic on the floor – you’re welcome to walk over it.
There are several TV screens in the room with a variety of videos playing on them. All the videos with sound elements are captioned. There are headphones attached that you can use to listen as you watch the videos. Some headphones have trailing wires – please be careful when walking close to TV screens.
The TV screen on the left side of the entrance has flashing images.
You’re welcome to pick up the phones on the right side wall and listen to the audio. Please note, the audio content is not suitable for children.
There is a sculpture on a display shelf on the right side wall installed at a possible head height – please be careful and mind your head.

On the far-left side corner of the room, the wall and the floor are painted black, forming a triangle. It can be difficult to get a sense of space in this corner.
The area is partially covered in the front by a yellow curtain with a weighted bottom. You can touch it but please avoid walking into it as there is a TV screen placed behind it. Please ask a member of staff for assistance if needed.

This area is located on the first floor and is accessible via stairs and lift.
There is a TV screen on the landing with artist Cornelia’s Parkers’ THE FUTURE (Remember Nature) playing with the sound coming through the speaker.
The drawings and pieces of paper in the display case are only partially visible; this is the intention of the artist. The contents of the display case may not be fully visible from wheelchair height.
There is no seating available on this landing.

The room on your right side has low lighting to protect the light-sensitive artworks.
The room has two elements – first, on the left, is a video interview with artist Harold Offeh and a display of materials from his personal archive. Second, on the right, is a photography display from the Kettle’s Yard collection called ‘In the presence of a common object.’
The two videos playing on screens are captioned, and the sound comes through the headphones.
Please use the large print guide available in the room.
You are welcome to sit, relax and read the books provided on the table.

This area is located on the second floor and is accessible via stairs and lift.
The space has lots of natural light and seating with cushions.
This is a mostly quiet space where you are welcome to sit, relax, reflect, draw or eat packed lunches.

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