Vibration Calibration
Black Country Type & Claire Buckerfield
Over the last two years Wolverhampton based artists Claire Buckerfield and Tom Hicks (Black Country Type) have worked collaboratively to conceive the exhibition Vibration Calibration. Taking its name from a mechanical process that measures the accuracy of vibration sensors, the exhibition offers a recalibration of our perceptions of the Black Country through the artists’ portrayal of the area.
The post-industrial landscape of the region is at the core of both artists’ practices and has been fundamental to the development of new work for the exhibition. From observations made in the urban environment, to working with local manufacturers and positioning the works in a gallery space that overlooks Walsall town centre and beyond, each phase of creating the exhibition has been embedded in the West Midlands.
Through their use of a vivid colour palette and works made in a range of mediums including photography, industrial tape, vacuum formed plastic and powder-coated metal the artists have reimagined building facades, brick work and security screens encouraging a reconsideration of how the area is perceived.
A deliberate ambiguity permeates the exhibition, beginning with a newly created entrance to the gallery space and compounded by the presence of a logo that could allude to a company, business or brand. Amid this uncertainty, the artists convey their own experiences of navigating their surroundings often encountering the exteriors of factories and shopfronts whose interiors and functions remain unknown to them. Together, the artists invite us to become curious, to explore, to look closely and observe, both the exhibition and our everyday surroundings.
@blackcountrytype
@clairebuckerfield
Publication
A new publication accompanying the exhibition will be available to purchase from the 30th October 2026. More details coming soon.
Events
Preview
Friday 30 October, 6-8pm
Free, all welcome, no booking required.
Join us to celebrate the launch of exhibition Vibration Calibration in the company of the artists.
Adult Workshop
Saturday 5 December, 11am – 3pm
Booking details coming soon
Spend the day with artists Claire Buckerfield and Tom Hicks for a hands-on insight into their practices.
Artist and Curator Tour
Saturday 23 January 2026, 2-3pm
Free, booking required (booking link coming soon)
Join artists Claire Buckerfield and Tom Hicks along with Curator of the Exhibition Hannah Anderson, for an informal tour of the exhibition in the gallery space. Stick stools available.
