Tiny art heist at Warrington Museum and Art Gallery

A hidden gallery of miniature artworks is now on display at Warrington Museum and Art Gallery as part of the new show Covert/Overt, which will remain in place until April 5.

Described as a cross between a scavenger hunt and a micro-exhibition, the playful project is the brainchild of Orford-based artist Ste Kilb, who goes by the name Waspdodger.

He said: “It changed how I was interacting with the Museum, like I was in on a secret – so this micro exhibition grew out of that experience.

“I want people to turn detective for a few minutes while they figure out what’s afoot.”

Mr Kilb was inspired to create the exhibition after spotting a Star Wars toy last year in the museum’s Cabinet of Curiosities, which was included as part of a treasure trail.

He said: “The artworks are in the centimetres though so pack your glasses, some binoculars and a molecular microscope if you have one!”

The project is the latest collaboration between Mr Kilb and Culture Warrington, the arts charity responsible for Warrington Museum.

He has previously exhibited comic-style pieces at Pyramid Arts Centre alongside artist and satirist Cold War Steve and was commissioned by the museum to create VE Day-themed visuals in recent years.

Mr Kilb said: “I’ve done a few bits and pieces over the years for Culture Warrington, and I’m over the moon that one of the oldest municipal museums in the country is joining in on my little joke.

“Gentle mischief is the aim.”

Many of the artists are members of an art group Mr Kilb founded at the now-closed Eagle and Spaceman pub.

He said: “Each artist was handpicked due to the fun and humour their work evokes, I’m very proud of this line-up and can’t wait for people to see the experiment in action.

“This micro exhibition was initially conceived to be similar to a reverse Louvre Heist, like the local artists have barged in and slapped the artwork up and run away.”

Mr Kilb thanked everyone for their involvement and added: “We’re just pretending to be iconoclasts, honest.

“I’m hugely thankful to everyone for playing along.”

Members of the public can take part using a set of clues available at the museum’s entrance.

Featured artists include Mr Kilb (@waspdodger), @jaunty.art, @fromdraws2funnies, @catding_art_hk, @cosmic.fables, and @stef_woof_illustrates, all on Instagram.