Inspired by debutantes…

In late 2009 and early 2010, we undertook a project which would involve older people who could not make it to see the ‘Last debutantes 1958: Season of change’ exhibition at Kensington.

The project would see older people reminisce about the late 1950s, what they wore and the social changes of that era whilst an illustrator drew what they told her. The illustrator worked in sitting rooms and bed-to-bed in the Royal London Hospital with a specialist from the Vital Arts agency based there, and then attended reminiscence sessions at nursing and care homes in Kensington and Chelsea where music was played, hats were tried on, books were passed around and so on.

The illustrator, Rachel Gannon, then collected all of the illustrations together to create a beautiful limited edition book. A copy was sent to each participant as well as extras for the hospital and care homes so that they can be used as a reminiscence tool in the future.
Have a look at the artwork here.