Repair Cafe @MechSpace

Member Events Public Events

Join this event

Location: Bloomsbury

Date: Friday 21st February

Time: 12:00 — 15:30

Bring your electronic devices, textiles, ceramics, jewellery and more to learn repair skills with expert fixers from the UCL community.

You’ll see how an object is mended, get involved in the repair process and be advised on the steps needed to bring your valued item to full working order. With a bit of help, you will become empowered to fix your device while learning the basics of repair and the importance of the Right to Repair. Come ready to learn!

Everyone is welcome to this free event - even if you haven't got something to repair, you can come and see others mending, ask repair-based questions or even get stuck into a crafty activity. The UCL Repair Cafe triages a wide array of items for repair, advice and guidance, so you can make your treasured item as good as new - sometimes arguably better!

You can drop into the Repair Cafe between 12pm and 3:30pm (last entry 3:30pm) by reserving a general entry ticket. Please reserve a general ticket here.

The event will feature the following activities, most of which are drop-in, some of which require an advance booking:

Textiles and Clothing

Have you got holes in your jumper, (unwanted) rips in your jeans, broken bags or trashed trainers? Drop in for an in-person guide to fixing textiles with the Institute of Making team. We'll provide materials, thread, needles and pins in order for you to patch, sew or darn new life into your beloved clothes, accessories, trainers and other textile items. (Drop in)

General repair

UCL MechSpace technicians are ready to tinker any number of objects, including small pieces of furniture, spectacles, jewellery, umbrellas...you name it, they'll take it! Using their exciting engineering machinery and extensive problem-solving skills, your item will be in safe hands. (Drop in)

Electronics Repair (advance booking required)

Bring in your electronic device in need of fixing - from smartphones and laptops or small household appliances like toasters and lamps - for a one-to-one consultation with the repair experts from The Restart Project. (Booking a slot is required. Limited availability)

Bike Repair and servicing (advance booking required)

UCL volunteers will be offering light servicing, simple repairs and advice for getting your bicycle running smoothly again. (Booking a slot is required. Limited availability)

Decorative Gilded Repairs

Do you have a broken but beloved object lying around? Beautify and celebrate the tears and breaks of your items by gilding them with the support of artists from the UCL Slade School of Fine Art and heritage conservators from the UCL Institute of Archaeology. Learn about the age-old technique of applying gold (or gold-like) materials to wood, metal, glass and ceramics and mend your piece with dazzling results. (Drop in)

Clothes Swap Rail

Are you in search for a new outfit that doesn’t cost the world? Why not browse our clothes swap rail for brand-new pre-loved piece? Bring in your old clothes for donation to the rail and in return, you can take home an item to refresh your wardrobe and tackle the impact of fast fashion. (Drop in)

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

Everyone at UCL 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 Sara at events@instituteofmaking.org.uk if you'd like to chat.

Pictures courtesy of The Institute of Making.

This event is part of UCL’s 28 Days of Sustainability programme, taking place 17th February – 16th March. You can find out more here: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/sustainable/events/2025/feb/28-days-sustainability-2025