Lists collected over 20 years become works of art

Kyleigh Orlebar Woman laughing with chin-length wavy hair and glasses wearing a mustard yellow coat with a denim shirt and lists on a board behind.Kyleigh Orlebar
Kyleigh Orlebar's collection of more than 200 lists offer a glimpse into strangers’ lives

Kyleigh Orlebar has been picking up discarded shopping lists in her home town for more than 20 years.

It all started with a piece of paper she found outside a building society in Wimborne, Dorset. Unfolding it, a list for "peas, custard, mince" in massive writing was revealed.

After popping it in her pocket, she later discovered it had been written on the back of a typed heartfelt letter.

Fascinated by that glimpse into a stranger's life, she has been picking up lists ever since and they have now been turned into an exhibition.

Kyleigh Orlebar Numerous handwritten paper lists arranged on a grid.Kyleigh Orlebar
The lists on display have been arranged by supermarket aisles, spelling mistakes and abbreviations

Chancing upon them on pavements, in shopping baskets and trolleys, Ms Orlebar, a papercut artist, has accumulated a horde of more than 200 lists.

She said: "It's fascinating to look at, we've even got a list of lists... You can find the most unexpected things on a list - 'crisps, biscuits, lamp, black pants, socks'.

"They make me laugh. It's a snapshot into a little piece of life."

The exhibition also features artwork from artists who have responded to a chosen list.

She said: "Jen Hobbs' favourite list was a scrawled piece of cardboard with just 'eight bananas' written on it so she has created this Andy Warhol-esque piece.

"Another artist has taken what's on the list and created a person who she imagined created the list and all the items on it."

Kyleigh Orlebar Silver metal shopping trolley with sign asking people to donate their shopping lists and a few handwritten lists scattered in the trolleyKyleigh Orlebar
Visitors are also invited to leave their own lists, which will be added to the collection
Kyleigh Orlebar shares how her fascination with collecting lists began 20 years ago.

The lists have been arranged by supermarket aisles, spelling mistakes and abbreviations, with a trolley for visitors to leave their own lists to become part of the collection.

Lists: A Lost & Found at Coda music and arts centre, Christchurch, runs until 24 December.

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