From Saturday 23 May to Sunday 1 November
‘Stretched to the Limit’ by Steel Door Studios
Incuded in Museum entry price
‘Stretched to the Limit’ is Steel Door Studios first solo show of a body of work. This series of evocative pieces shine a floodlight on a prison system in crisis. Spiralling overcrowding, ever decreasing budgets, “a modern-day pandemic of substance abuse” and a rise in self-harm and suicide. The impact of which leaves lasting physical and psychological scars on those incarcerated within its walls. Steel Door Studios has produced a deeply moving and personal reflection on a broken prison system; each piece inviting us to confront difficult truths and asks: who holds the power to define the prison system? Collectively, the pieces propose that we all have a responsibility to shape a system that benefits the whole of society by placing rehabilitation, well-being and desistance from crime at its core.
It is an absolute privilege to have Steel Door Studios display his work at the National Justice Museum; a site historically drenched in injustice and degradation; using its spaces to champion and present the painful lived experiences of such a profoundly talented artist.
For information
This display depicts issues relating to mental health, addiction, overcrowding, self-harm and suicide, which may be distressing or triggering to some viewers. We encourage visitors to engage at their own pace.
Book Museum admission
About the artist

Steel Door Studios was born within the walls of incarceration. A deep-seated desire to find his authentic voice gave rise to the pursuit of creativity. Alongside a forward-thinking prison governor and his ever-present wife, cumulated the three elements needed to launch the website. Permission, technological knowhow and an ever-growing body of paintings and artwork.
To date he has had collaborative exhibitions at the following venues:
- Hampshire Culture Trust: ‘Doing Time’ exhibition. A 12-month travelling exhibition celebrating the 150-year anniversary of Winchester prison.
- Koestler Arts: ‘In Case of Emergencies’ curated by Joelle Taylor at the Southbank.
- Ikon Gallery, Birmingham: a showcase remotely curated by Steel Door Studios.
- Coventry University: ‘Pains of Imprisonment’ exhibition alongside Justin Rollins.
Having been successful with his fight for freedom, the parole board directed his release in October 2025. In this short period of time, he has been adjusting to life in the community and has secured the position of Artist in Residence at Warwick University. ‘Stretched to the Limit’ at the National Justice Museum is his first solo show.
Instagram @steeldoorstudios
LinkedIn @Steeldoor Studios
OTHER EVENTS
Saturday 25 July – Sunday 30 August 2026, various times
A very Victorian summer
Sunday 20 September, 10.30am, 12pm and 2pm
Laundry with Matron - Heritage Open Days
Sunday 13 September, 10.30am, 11.30am, 2pm and 3pm
Historical Trial Re-enactment - Heritage Open Days
Select dates from July to September 2026
Guilty?! - A National Justice Museum Escape Room
Saturday 23 May - Sunday 20 September 2026
Project Lab - Pieces of Me: Stories from Nottingham
Saturday 29 August 2026, 7pm
Murder Mystery: Don't Look Back In Anger
Thursday 27 August 2026, 6pm
Crime Club Repeat: Killers, Gaolers and Buckled Shoes
From Saturday 23 May to Sunday 1 November
‘Stretched to the Limit’ by Steel Door Studios
From Saturday 27 June 2026 - Sunday 3 January 2027
Working Through It
Friday 24 July, 10am-12pm
Baskets & Woven Dreams
Friday 17 July, 10am-12pm
Tapestry Weaving
Friday 3 July, 10am-12pm
Whitework/Hard Labour
Saturday 28 November - Saturday 19 December 2026, 6pm
Ding Dong Merrily and Die: A Festive Murder Mystery
Thursday 30 July 2026, 6pm