Philip Crewe and Tom Howells

It Takes the Village is an exhibition by Philip Crewe and Tom Howells exploring everyday creativity in Brighstone, a rural community on the Isle of Wight. Through handmade objects, personal stories and locally rooted making, the exhibition looks at how creativity grows from the skills, time and materials people have around them.

Focusing on Brighstone while reflecting experiences shared by many small communities, the project invites visitors to think about their own sense of place. The exhibition includes Crewe’s work, such as The Nipper Knife, and his exploration of amateur making. It will open on the Isle of Wight in 2026 before travelling to London.