Re-Framing Disability: Portraits from the Royal College of Physicians

About

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 their photographic portraits taken and to be filmed, which forms part of the exhibition. To attend the private view, where the exhibition will be opened by the Treasurer of the Royal College of Physicians Linda Luxon, RSVP to exhibitions@shapearts.org.uk. Re-framing disability is open Thursday 28th July 12pm - 4pm (no appointment necessary) or by appointment, Monday to Thursday, 9am —5pm until 29 September 2011. Please email Ben at exhibitions@shapearts.org.uk or call him on 020 7424 7352 if you would like to come to the private view, or the Open House. If you would like to view the exhibition outside these times, please get in touch to make an appointment. Shape's gallery is located at: Shape Deane House Studios 27 Greenwood Place London NW5 1LB Telephone: 0845 521 3457 Minicom: 020 7424 7368 Fax: 0845 521 3458