Who Is Blind? (Current Exhibition)
From 13 November 2009 until further notice
‘Who is Blind?’ is a small but intentionally thought-provoking display mounted to coincide with the recent launch of the book
Low Vision the Essential Guide for Optometrists which was financed by the College and which will be distributed free to all College members. Located on the first floor and accessible as part of one the museum’s
Meeting Room Tours, ‘Who is Blind?’ describes the changing legal definition of blindness and the words used to describe those with partial sight from the mid 18th century onwards. It showcases equipment for the blind and the work of the various eyesight charities to cater for blind people, placing particular emphasis on the book’s publisher, the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association (GDBA) founded in 1934. Amongst other things you can see in the exhibition are a dog harness, an extract from David Blunkett’s biography, a Braille machine, tactile dominoes and an antique print of the 19th century ‘Blind Asylum’ in Southwark. There’s a lot packed in to a single display case and the Curator has already had a rewarding time describing the layout of the case to people with severe sight loss. A series of historic GDBA collecting boxes are displayed elsewhere in the museum. On a visit you’ll never know where a cute doggie may poke its head up next!
Generations of British school children have observed ‘puppy walking’ training for guide dogs via the popular tv programme ‘Blue Peter’.
This autographed photograph shows the Blue Peter presenters from 1985, Michael Sundin, Simon Groom and Janet Ellis, crouched beside the Blue Peter pond at BBC Television Centre. The programme first followed the progress of a guide dog ('Honey') in 1965 and it became a regular feature on the programme. John Noakes and Peter Purves were both puppy walkers.
Simon Groom once, famously, said on air that "One of Goldie's puppies is going to become a blind dog for the guides". That puppy 'Prince' was born 16 May 1981 and trained alongside fellow presenter Peter Duncan. Goldie's second litter (born 3.February 1986) was Honey, Snowy, Bonzo, Amber, Fergie and Bruno all of whom became guide dogs whilst Bonnie joined the show (and gave birth herself to a litter that provided still more guide dogs).
This picture is just one item included in the museum's current temporary exhibition Who is Blind?
