Hands that Hold History

Join us to explore how our hands and bodies can hold conversations, tell stories and express emotions in this programme of Deaf-led events related to the ‘Fingertalk’ installation and ‘1880 THAT’ exhibition.

‘Hands That Hold History’ is a multi-part programme that explores shared language, heritage, and cultural identity within the Deaf community. BSL interpreters will be available for support and orientation.

Events will take place throughout the building, and activities will be repeated during the evening, so you’ll be able to experience all the events and exhibitions at your own pace.

Information about all the events is listed below. The workshop and BSL tour both have limited spaces, so please reserve your place at the information desk when you arrive on the night.

Programme of events:

Resist

‘Resist’ is a series of dance performances that will occur throughout the evening at various locations around the building. The two Deaf dancers, Anna Seymour and Raffie Julien, will move around, responding to objects, spaces and the audience.

Shadow Signs

The Studio‘Shadow Signs’ is a gentle physical movement workshop that teaches you how to create silhouettes with your hands and body. The workshop is inspired by the Victorian pastime of shadowgraphy. Deaf actors David Ellington and Ciaran O'Brien will guide you through a number of different silhouette techniques using an illuminated screen. This workshop will be guided in BSL, with voice-over interpreters available for non-signers.

Spaces are limited for this event, so please reserve a place at the information desk when you arrive on the night.

BSL tour with Nadia Nadarajah - Hands that hold history

This gallery tour is a guided immersive performance by deaf actor Nadia Nadarajah, where movement and memories uncover hidden histories held within our hands and bodies. The performance will happen in both the ‘Fingertalk’ and ‘1880 THAT’ galleries.

Spaces are limited for this event, so please reserve a place at the information desk when you arrive on the night.

Need to know

This is a large-scale event with several different activities, which may include drop-in sessions, scheduled performances, workshops or talks. Check specific activities for details and to see if you need to book a ticket or just show up. Spaces for drop-in activities are limited and may run out if we are busy.

Access

Most events will be delivered in British Sign Language, with additional British Sign Language interpretation.

For more information, please visit our Accessibility page. If you have any queries about accessibility, please email us at access@wellcomecollection.org or call 020 7611 2222.

Our event terms and conditions