Review of Ai Weiwei Tours
Review of Ai Weiwei Tours
Exclusive to Friends of the Whitworth
Review of Ai Weiwei Tours
Review of Ai Weiwei Tours
Exclusive to Friends of the Whitworth
The Friends of the Whitworth took part in one of two exclusive tours of the Ai Weiwei exhibition at Factory International, Manchester. These tours were fascinating and gave a wonderful insight into Ai Weiwei’s processes and ideas.
See below a review by Isabel Dibden Wright and also two messages from Friends showing their appreciation.
Anne Mackinnon, Chair of FoW
“Ai Weiwei Button Up!
Thursday 20th August 2026, at Aviva Studios
Two groups of Friends of the Whitworth were given complimentary tours of the Ai Weiwei Button Up! Exhibition. The first tour was led by Lee Hong Low, the Creative Director, who had worked closely with Ai Weiwei on all aspects of this impressive exhibition from the initial meetings, to the logistics of curating and installing these enormous works. Lee Hong Low was most generous with his time and expertise, and explained all the major works in the exhibition with clarity and insight. The works varied from works made from plastic play bricks, to exquisitely crafted ceramics, and huge double sided flags stitched with buttons. One could only admire the craftsmanship, the content and message implicit in all the works.
The vast warehouse-like space at Aviva Studios enabled the monumental scale works to be shown together as not seen previously. I think that I can speak for everyone that it was an enlightening and awe inspiring visit. Thanks must be given to Olga Gribben from the Whitworth who organised the two tours for the Friends of the Whitworth.”
Isabel Dibden Wright
“Hi Anne just to thank you and the team for arranging the Ai Weiwei tour today. I was with the second group at 3. It was excellent. The guide was informative, clear, well paced and answered all our questions.
To have such a superb exhibition on in Manchester was a privilege.
Thank you again."
Madeleine Edwards
“Hi I just wanted to say thank you for providing me with the opportunity to participate in the guided tour today. I really enjoyed it and learned so much from such a knowledgeable guide. A really worthwhile experience. Thanks once again”
Margaret Richards
The Friends of the Whitworth took part in one of two exclusive tours of the Ai Weiwei exhibition at Factory International, Manchester. These tours were fascinating and gave a wonderful insight into Ai Weiwei’s processes and ideas.
See below a review by Isabel Dibden Wright and also two messages from Friends showing their appreciation.
Anne Mackinnon, Chair of FoW
“Ai Weiwei Button Up!
Thursday 20th August 2026, at Aviva Studios
Two groups of Friends of the Whitworth were given complimentary tours of the Ai Weiwei Button Up! Exhibition. The first tour was led by Lee Hong Low, the Creative Director, who had worked closely with Ai Weiwei on all aspects of this impressive exhibition from the initial meetings, to the logistics of curating and installing these enormous works. Lee Hong Low was most generous with his time and expertise, and explained all the major works in the exhibition with clarity and insight. The works varied from works made from plastic play bricks, to exquisitely crafted ceramics, and huge double sided flags stitched with buttons. One could only admire the craftsmanship, the content and message implicit in all the works.
The vast warehouse-like space at Aviva Studios enabled the monumental scale works to be shown together as not seen previously. I think that I can speak for everyone that it was an enlightening and awe inspiring visit. Thanks must be given to Olga Gribben from the Whitworth who organised the two tours for the Friends of the Whitworth.”
Isabel Dibden Wright
“Hi Anne just to thank you and the team for arranging the Ai Weiwei tour today. I was with the second group at 3. It was excellent. The guide was informative, clear, well paced and answered all our questions.
To have such a superb exhibition on in Manchester was a privilege.
Thank you again."
Madeleine Edwards
“Hi I just wanted to say thank you for providing me with the opportunity to participate in the guided tour today. I really enjoyed it and learned so much from such a knowledgeable guide. A really worthwhile experience. Thanks once again”
Margaret Richards
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