Apr 2022
Bath Spa University student Katie Hanning has been working with fellow photography student George Dawes to capture South Gloucestershire residents’ hands using British Sign Language.
Pupils from Woodlands Primary School and Yate Academy Hearing Resource Base attend the unveiling of a new sign language artwork by Katie Hanning.
Their creations depict the phrases ‘the future is in our hands‘ and ‘together we are stronger‘. These letters are displayed on railings on each of the platforms at Patchway station.
The different hands reflect the diversity of the Patchway community, while Katie’s choice of phrases reflect a shared responsibility at making a better future for our communities and our planet, reminding us of the possibilities when we come together to do so.
Commissioned by Severnside Community Rail Partnership, Katie’s photographs include some text to enable non-signers to read the messages. The project is funded by a grant from Great Western Railway, with support from FACE charity in Filton.
Severnside Community Rail Partnership
Pupils from Woodlands Primary School attend the unveiling of a new sign language artwork by Katie Hanning. Bristol.
On Wednesday 6th April, children from the Hearing Resource Base at Woodlands Primary School in Yate will visited Patchway station and along with local communities members to sign in British Sign Language.
Heather Cullimore, Manager of the Severnside Community Rail Partnership, said: “One in five adults in the UK is deaf or has hearing loss, and it is hugely important the d/Deaf or hard-of-hearing community feel confident using the rail network.
“Communication challenges can lead to people being reluctant to travel, which in turn may result in loneliness. We chose British Sign Language artwork to highlight the railway being welcoming and accessible to anyone with hearing loss.
“People registered as deaf are eligible for a disabled person’s railcard and with stations sometimes being busy, noisy places, support to make journeys by rail can be accessed through Passenger Assist.
“Facilitating this art scheme has provided the Severnside Community Rail Partnership with a springboard to build relationships with the D/deaf community through local community groups, schools and the GWR staff network.”
Artist Katie Hanning said: “I wanted to create a piece of work that anyone could be involved with – so using photography allowed that to happen. The project will not only brighten up the train station, but also showcases the people from the community who live near there as well as giving representation for those who use British Sign Language and/or are D/deaf.
“The process of taking the photos created a situation that allowed people to share their stories, particularly in regard to their experience of loss of hearing, and it was lovely to have this opportunity to work with people in this way. There was a real diversity of people involved, all with their own different stories to share. I hope everyone will enjoy visiting the station and spotting their hands!”
GWR Accessibility Mentor Coral Thomas said: “Katie has produced some really eye-catching and thought-provoking artwork which will help to welcome customers to Patchway station.
“GWR is passionate about making its trains and stations accessible to all. We operate a training programme where colleagues can learn basic British Sign Language skills, enabling them to communicate with d/Deaf or hard-of-hearing customers.
“Assistance cards are also available at stations for customers to fill in if they are hard of hearing, making it easier for our teams to provide the necessary support.”
Josephine Mitchell of the Woodlands Primary and Yate Academy Hearing Resource Base said “The artwork launch was a fantastic opportunity for our pupils to be part of an event which celebrates difference; and to really understand the key message that communities are stronger when everybody is included. This message reflects the philosophy at Woodlands Primary School and Yate Academy, where all pupils are fully included in every aspect of school life – including, of course, the pupils in the two Hearing Resource Bases.”
