UCL Repair Cafe - MechSpace

Calling all repair and reuse enthusiasts! The UCL Repair Cafe is back, and this time, we're mending at MechSpace. This event is free and open to all.

Gather your hole-ridden clothes, broken electronic devices, cracked ceramics and more, and learn how to bring them all back to full working order with expert fixers from the UCL community. Come ready to learn, and leave empowered to fix and mend!

Everyone is welcome and invited to this free event. Even if you don't have anything to repair, you're welcome to join us to ask repair-based questions. The UCL Repair Cafe triages and advises on a wide range of items to make treasured possessions good as new - sometimes arguably better.

You can drop into the UCL Repair Cafe at MechSpace between 12:00 and 16:00 (last entry 15:30) by reserving a free general entry ticket, linked below. For electronics and bike repair, you must book a slot in advance, also linked below. The event will feature the following activities:

Textiles and Clothing Repair (drop in)

Have you got holes in your jumper, (unwanted) rips in your jeans, broken bag straps or trashed trainers? Then join us for a drop-in, in-person guide to fixing textiles with the Institute of Making team! We'll provide the materials, thread, needles and pins needed for you to patch, sew and darn new life into your beloved textiles.

General Repair (drop in)

Visit the General Repair area with all of your miscellaneous belongings, and meet UCL MechSpace technicians ready to assist and mend - from small pieces of furniture to spectacles and umbrellas. You name it, they'll help you fix it with a wide range of tools and extensive problem-solving skills.

Electronics Repair (advance booking required)

Bring in your electronic devices - from smartphones and laptops, to small household appliances such as toasters and lamps - for a one-to-one consultation with the repair experts from Mechspace technicians, local repair business Sarasfix and UCL volunteers. (Booking a slot is required. Limited availability.)

Bike Repair and servicing (advance booking required)

Does your cycle need some extra love? UCL volunteers will be offering light servicing, simple repairs and advice to help you get your bike up and running smoothly again. (Booking a slot is required. Limited availability.)

Plant Care & Repair (drop in)

Our green fingered plant experts are here to help with all of your house plant questions and quandries! If you're a new house plant owner bubbling with questions, a seasoned hoarder in need of specific help, or just eager to learn more about cuttings, propagatation, re-potting or bonsai care, we have an expert who can advise.

Ceramic Repairs (drop in)

Are your cracked ceramics collecting dust? Join heritage conservators from UCL Institute of Archaeology to celebrate and beautify the breaks in your ceramic items, and discover how visible mending can transform damage into design.

Clothes Swap Rail (drop in)

In search of a new outfit that won’t cost the world? Browse our clothes swap rail for brand-new, pre-loved pieces that won't hurt your wallet or the environment. Bring in your old clothes for donation, and in return, take home an item to refresh your own wardrobe. Let’s tackle the impact of fast fashion together.

About us: The UCL Repair Cafe is an inter-departmental community event, sustained by expert volunteers from UCL Conservation, the Institute of Making, the Slade School of Fine Art, UCL Institute of Archaeology, Mechanical Engineering Researchers Society and Sustainable UCL.

Everyone is welcome in our spaces. We strive to make all of our processes accessible, including attending our events and workshops, and using our website and booking systems. Please message us if you have any questions or requirements, or need assistance using our platforms - we'll be happy to help. We're always interested in feedback to help us improve access to our activities. Please contact Lydia at [email protected] if you'd like to chat.

Pictures courtesy of The Institute of Making.

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