Archived Event: Re-framing Disability

About

Exhibition opened by Linda Luxon, Royal College of Physicians

'Re-framing disability' explores a group of rare portraits from the 17th to the 19th centuries, held by the Royal College of Physicians. The portraits depict disabled men and women of all ages and walks of life, many of whom earned a living exhibiting themselves to the public. Some individuals, such as conjoined 'Siamese' twins Chang and Eng Bunker (1811-74), are still famous today. Others, including professional artist Thomas Inglefield (b 1769), who was born without legs or hands, are now forgotten.

The exhibition uncovers the extraordinary hidden histories behind the portraits and looks at their impact today through contemporary responses from 27 disabled participants from across the UK. The participants were invited to have photographic portraits taken and be filmed, forming part of the exhibition.

For more images of this exhibition click this link.

Project Curator Bridget Telfer, Royal College of Physicians