On Shoulders of Giants
21 Oct - 19 Nov 2023
“On Shoulders of Giants” explores the forgotten voices in Disability History and has been created by our Disability History Focus Group 2022/2023.
The Disability History Focus Group, in conjunction with Curating for Change (CfC), embarked on a groundbreaking project in November 2022 to delve into the rich tapestry of disability history within our extensive collections, buildings, artefacts and people’s individual stories/histories.
The group was made up of 10 people from multi-faceted backgrounds and when they came together as a cohesive team, they bought the best out in each other.
This project endeavoured to shed light on the experiences of individuals with all kinds of impairments throughout history and ensure their stories were authentically as possible represented and shared with visitors to the dockyard as well as on its digital platforms.
The Importance of Representation
This exhibition is about historical representation, research, contribution, and personal narrative. Each member of the group chose their own project/subject/idea and followed it to where it ultimately led them.
Works include:
- Dockyard Photos in light & dark by Peter
- Fall Velocity – Billy Waters & the rigging of HMS GANYMEDE by Auriel
- HMS CAVALIER – Study and Research into the Second World War Destroyer by Bramwell
- The life & times of Rear Admiral Charles John Austen CB by Jane
- A Night to Remember – Adventures on HMS CAVALIER by JJ
- As sick as a Sea DOG -Admiral Nelson’s many illnesses & Disabilities by Zara
- Percy, Alfie, & Billy, Art & poetry selection of three very different men by Susi
- Joshua Campbeltown – From Slave to Royal Naval Petty Officer by George
- Consultant/Advisor on research within the project by Indira
- Art Narratives by Suchi (Curatorial Fellow)
The exhibition is on display in our Steam, Steel and Submarines gallery and entry is included in a Dockyard ticket.
