New perspective on artwork for visitors
Sight loss charity Beacon gave visitors at Wolverhampton Art Gallery the chance to view artwork with simulation specs to help recreate looking at art with a visual impairment.
The charity is keen to highlight life living with sight loss during National Eye Health Week which ran last week.
Guests viewed several paintings and exhibitions with conditions such as macular degeneration and cataracts. The charity also showcased its own piece of artwork made by those it supports who live with sight loss.
CEO of Beacon Lisa Cowley said: “It’s easy to take your sight for granted. Everyday activities like visiting your local art gallery is something we don’t normally think about twice.
"But imagine living with sight loss and appreciating all the artwork on display. We wanted to give people the chance to experience a moment kin their life with sight loss. This was also a good opportunity to make sure we highlight the tell-tale signs of eye conditions and help the public take early action.”
Penelope Thomas at Wolverhampton Art Gallery added: “Inclusivity is important to us. Beacon has given our visitors the chance to understand and appreciate sight loss. Hopefully we have helped highlight a vital issue and got people thinking about their eye health and how others live.”
Lisa added: “We are very proud of the people we support and the joint effort behind the artwork they made. Knowing the piece was created by people living with various forms of sight loss may be hard to comprehend for some people. But this is a prime example of what you can achieve and not what you can’t. Beacon believes in supporting people to realise their full potential and live more independently – helping them reach their goals.”
