README.txt

Art in immigration detention
Creators:
Vincett, Joanne
Waller, Frazer
Affiliations:
Liverpool John Moores University (Liverpool Business School)
Rights holder(s):
Joanne Vincett and Frazer Waller
Year of publication:
2026

DESCRIPTION
This dataset comprises origami art pieces created by women held in Yarl’s Wood Immigration Removal Centre, near Bedford, England. The artworks were voluntarily created by women seeking asylum and are presented as part of an exhibition that aims to raise awareness of the lived experiences of people in UK immigration detention.
Citation guidance:
Please cite this dataset as:
Vincett, Joanne and Waller, Frazer (2026) Origami Art from Yarl’s Wood Immigration Removal Centre [Data Collection]. Liverpool John Moores University. https://opendata.ljmu.ac.uk/id/eprint/269
DOI https://doi.org/10.24377/LJMU.d.00000269
CONTACT DETAILS
Principal Investigator:
Joanne Vincett
j.j.vincett@ljmu.ac.uk 

TERMS OF USE
This dataset is made available under licence Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International Deed - Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International - Creative Commons
Users must ensure that reuse of the materials respects the dignity, anonymity, and rights of the individuals who created the artworks.

PROJECT AND FUNDING INFORMATION
Project title:
Art in Immigration Detention (Exhibition contribution)
Project dates:
Start date: 1 May 2016
End date: 1 January 2018
CONTENTS
The dataset includes:
* Photographs of Origami art pieces created by women detained at Yarl’s Wood Immigration Removal Centre
The artworks were collected and exhibited to highlight the experiences of women asylum seekers held in immigration detention. Art created in detention can be seen as a means of coping with anxiety and uncertainty. Digital representations of the artworks are included in the dataset; physical pieces were displayed as part of an exhibition.

METHODS
The ethnographic study focussed on the volunteer work of befrienders who visited women detained in Yarl’s Wood Immigration Removal Centre. Participant observation of the art created in detention later led to the collection of the artefacts from participating befrienders. The origami art pieces, as well as other artworks, were crafted by detained women in Yarl’s Wood and were given as gifts to the volunteers. 
Participation was voluntary. The process did not involve experimental manipulation and prioritised ethical engagement, consent, and anonymity.