Wellcome Collection Lates: Shaping Age

Join The Liminal Space for three interactive experiences which spark new ways for us to think and talk about ageing. One in three of us will live to 100. Yet, as a society, we remain in denial – fixated on youth and disguising the signs of growing old. We ignore the important question: what will ageing actually be like for me? In this workshop, you’re invited to create posters for overlooked milestones in our lives, add your thoughts to a growing installation, or take part in a group discussion. It’s a chance to think about the future and shape how we talk about getting older.

Join Polyester hosts Ione Gamble and Gina Tonic for a live podcast recording exploring Gen Z and age-shaming. They’ll be in conversation with Ellen Atlanta, discussing ‘The Coming of Age’ exhibition and how its themes connect to contemporary debates around ageing among Gen Z. The discussion will last around 40 minutes, followed by a 20-minute audience Q&A. The audio from this event will be edited and shared on The Polyester Podcast channel.

Watch ‘Born Deaf, Raised Hearing’, a short film by On Par Productions, shown on loop throughout the evening. The film tells the story of Jonny Cotsen, who is an actor, a father of two children, and Deaf. He wants to know why he was brought up as if he could hear, and whether it’s too late to embrace his Deaf identity. The film lasts 29 minutes.

Join artist and facilitator Rubbena Aurangzeb-Tariq for a Deaf-led tour of ‘The Coming of Age’ exhibition. Please note: you need to book a ticket specifically for the tour here.

Come along to a guided tour led by a member of our Visitor Experience team. Each tour is unique and written by one of our facilitators. We’ll give you an overview of the exhibition by focusing on a few key objects and themes. Choose from two tour times during the evening. Limited capacity, first-come-first-served.

Drop in and explore a curated display of books and images of collection material by our Library team, inspired by ‘The Coming of Age’ exhibition. Step into the role of an alchemist and create your own 'elixir of time' in a relaxed, creative activity that invites you to reflect on past experiences, connect with your present and imagine your future. You’ll also have the chance to discover more about the library and what it offers visitors or simply spend time chatting and connecting with others in a friendly, social space. Whether you want to browse, make or chat, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Listen to a DJ set by Nihon Ten, responding to ‘The Coming of Age’ by exploring age as a lived, ongoing process, rather than a single moment of change or arrival. Moving across genres and moods, the music reflects different stages of life while resisting the idea that play, curiosity, or transformation are things we should grow out of. This thoughtfully curated set invites listeners to spend time with sound and consider what it might mean to stop “acting our age”, and instead remain open to new experiences at any stage of life.