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At first we didn't know what to do. Now I couldn't live without her...
PHOTOGRAPHER Richard Bailey makes a statement which certainly gets you thinking.
"Twenty years ago, images such as these would have been neither seen nor heard," he says.
He is referring to a unique and stunning photographic exhibition created by and about people with Down's syndrome.
The collection of pictures of babies, children and adults is on display at Dean Clough, Halifax – the first time it has come to Yorkshire after successfully running in London for the past five years.
The exhibition, Shifting Persp-ectives, challenges long-held stereotypes of people with Down's syndrome, presenting a genuine picture of those living with the condition.
The result is an uplifting and inspiring collection of images which features the work of six photographers, all of whom manage to skilfully and tenderly portray a very personal view – they all either have Down's syndrome themselves or have a child with the condition.
One of them is Richard Bailey, whose daughter Billie-Jo is almost 10 and who features in the collection.
Billie-Jo was born with Down's syndrome and Richard, a professional photographer, says the early days were difficult.
"I admit when she was born we didn't know how we were ever going to live with her, with a child that was 'different.' But almost 10 years on and we have this wonderfully funny, clever and beautiful daughter with an infectious laugh, a wealth of friends and an ability to charm people wherever she goes. Now I have no idea how I could ever live without her," he says.
The idea of the exhibition is to celebrate this positive message, that people with Down's syndrome can lead a fulfilling and rewarding life.
As a result there are images of children at play, of young people taking part in sporting competitions – including those who represent their country at the Special Olympic World Cham-pionships – at their studies and at work. One young woman smiles broadly back at the camera, smartly dressed in her chef's whites. The caption underneath explains how not only has she won medals for her gymnastic skills but she is now assistant chef at one of Cheshire's top restaurants.
Religions is another topic with photographs of people from all different faiths and cultures.
"There are a number of myths to dispel!" says Richard.
"People always ask if Down's syndrome exists in every race because they believe that it doesn't. But yes, all generations, all races, all religions and all economic situations are affected. It doesn't matter where in the world you live."
The images in this section include a beautiful photograph of a Jewish family about to sit and eat their meal, the ingredients arranged on the table along with brightly shining candles. There is also a scene of a Muslim group at prayer.
Another section hints at the individual personalities of subjects with a smiling Chelsea FC supporter, while captions on other pictures proudly declare “I like dogs, I am a singer, I like my job at McDonald’s.”
But perhaps the most captivating installation is a piece entitled 365, pictured below, which celebrates the characters and individuality of children with Down’s syndrome. In its entirety there is one photo for each day of the week, though on-ly a section has been able to go on display at Dean Clough.
Richard explains that Shifting Pers-pectives originally came about when a group of photographers got together to mount a small exhibition to mark Down’s syndrome awareness week. That was in 2003 and since then it has gone from stren-gth to strength, with photographs going on display in London as well as in Cardiff and Edinburgh. It is now sponsored by the Down’s Syndrome Association.
“When we first started out there were very few positive images of people with Down’s syndrome. They tended to be of a medical nature or charity based,” says Richard who adds that over the years the number of both photographers and photographs has continued to grow. What you see at Dean Clough is only a small part of a huge exhibition but we hope one day perhaps we can come back again and show even more of our work.”
The exhibition has, not surprisingly, won praise from Calderdale branch of the Down’s Syndrome Association.
Its secretary, Shelagh McLeod, who visited with her daughter Holly Simpson described the exhibition as “inspiring.”
“I think it paints a very positive picture of what life can hold for those with Down’s syndrome, that they can go on to live independent lives in many cases,” said Shelagh who said that Holly would be taking the big step of moving into supported living accommodation by the end of the summer.
“I really hope lots of people go along to see the exhibition because it really is worth a visit.”
l Shifting Perspectives runs at Dean Clough until September 30. Anyone who wants details of Calderdale Down’s Syndrome Asso- ciation should ring Shelagh on 01422 384265.
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Friday 10 February 2012
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