We’ve Been Shortlisted: 2026 Fantastic for Families Awards!
We’re delighted to share that Orleans House Gallery has been shortlisted for the 2026 Fantastic for Families Awards.
The Fantastic for Families Awards celebrate the UK’s most inspiring creative opportunities, activities and initiatives for families and older people. We’re honoured to be one of just 26 organisations shortlisted this year.
The winners will be announced on Tuesday 15 December and we’d love you to join the celebrations.
About All The Things: Exploring Play and Imagination Across Generations
Our shortlisted project, All The Things, was an intergenerational exhibition by artists Abigail Hunt, Lucy McDonald and Matt Shaw, developed in collaboration with people from across the Richmond borough aged from six months to ninety-four.
Together, participants explored one simple but powerful question: how can play and imagination transform everyday life?
At the heart of the project is the belief that imagination is something everyone possesses. It can grow, overlap, evolve, challenge expectations and create new connections, regardless of age or background.
Throughout the development of the exhibition, participants worked side by side across generations. Groups including Age UK Richmond, local primary school children, gallery volunteers, families, young people and older residents came together to play, create, draw, move, experiment and reflect. Each group brought its own experiences, creativity and perspectives, helping to shape the project in meaningful ways.
Rather than telling a single story, All The Things brings together many voices, ideas and experiences. Like imagination itself, these conversations continue to grow and change through the connections formed between people.
A Huge Thank You
This recognition belongs to everyone who helped bring All The Things to life.
Our thanks and congratulations go to artists Abigail Hunt, Lucy McDonald and Matt Shaw and to all our collaborators:
- Curious Tots, Orleans House Gallery
- Ham Children’s Centre
- Age UK Richmond
- Orleans House Gallery Volunteers
- St Richard’s Primary School, Ham
- Culture 4 Keeps and the Children in Care Council
- Achieving for Children
This project was truly co-created by an extraordinary community of children, young people, adults and older people whose ideas, creativity and generosity shaped every stage of the work.