Hannah Platt: Playing Out at Threshold

Maja Lorkowska, Exhibitions Editor

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Playing Out

18 May-15 June 2025

Always double check opening hours with the venue before making a special visit.

Hannah Platt 'Playing Out', courtesy of Threshold, photograph by Jules Lister.
Courtesy of Threshold, Jules Lister.
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Artist Hannah Platt’s vibrant and mischievous work makes an appearance at Threshold – an unassuming front garden of a Leeds terraced house that doubles as an open-air sculpture project space.

Hannah Platt: Playing Out, explores the playful, often overlooked elements of everyday urban life. Known for her wry humour, Platt usually captures the peculiarities of our built environment – quirky signage, aging architecture, derelict shopfronts – through photography. In Playing Out, she steps into new territory, assembling a three-dimensional outdoor installation using found and salvaged materials. 

Hannah Platt 'Playing Out', courtesy of Threshold, photograph by Jules Lister.
Courtesy of Threshold, Jules Lister.

The places she usually photographs are almost too familiar – we walk past them every day and no longer notice the missing letters on a chip shop sign, the strange neon lights or the shopfront frozen in time since the 80s. Platt’s keen eye is able to pick them all out, but most importantly, highlights the mischief.

Capturing derelict shops and graffiti can be a direct form of social commentary but she doesn’t settle for that – her photos are buzzing with energy and humour. In one image a pink hair salon displays the word “hair” in four different fonts, while in another a furiously handwritten sign says “beware of the DOGS”. 

Hannah Platt 'Playing Out', courtesy of Threshold, photograph by Jules Lister.
Courtesy of Threshold, Jules Lister.

Platt’s humorous look at public spaces is rooted in the warmth of familiarity: “Argie Terrace is undeniably one of the most perfect places to show my work.” she says. “I’ve lived and breathed Burley Park for the majority of my adult life. I have such rich memories of the layered, alive nature of living in a Leeds back-to-back [and] the daily rituals (…)” Now, her work is displayed in the kind of setting she usually depicts.

In Playing Out, the artist is expanding on her usual themes but through new mediums, ones that encourage more interaction than a wall-based image. She describes the act of sourcing materials as an instinctive, imaginative process that aligns with her practice as a whole: “that resourcefulness, making something joyful out of what’s already around me, really echoes the very spirit of playing out as a kid.”

Hannah Platt Flyer
Threshold

The resulting installation blends itself into the surroundings at first glance yet triggers a double-take with its bright colours, fun deck chairs and giant googly eyes. Pop by and enjoy the atmosphere of mild mischief.

Hannah Platt: Playing Out is co-curated by Julia McKinlay and Jonathan Orlek. The exhibition is accompanied by a limited edition publication of the same title, available to purchase for £12 through Threshold Editions. 

Where to go near Hannah Platt: Playing Out at Threshold

Located on Cardigan Fields Leisure Park, Vue Leeds Kirkstall is a nine screen cinema with almost 2000 seats. There's ample parking and the cinema is surrounded by various restaurants and entertainment facilities, making for a great evening out!

Watch the latest film releases and enjoy the industry-leading Sony 4K Digital screens, boasting spectacular picture quality, along with enhanced audio quality courtesy of Dolby 'Profound Sound'. Stepped SuperVue seating means you will never miss a second of the action while VIP seating guarantees you an extra touch of luxury whenever you want to upgrade.

Three of the nine screens showcase the newest 3D releases while Vue Classical brings the latest stage sensations to the big screen, and parents can save as they go with Family Tickets and Kids AM screenings offering great value for money.
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