An exhibition exploring four centuries of hidden history with responses from disabled people today.

Our award winning exhibition will from today (2 December) be displayed in the Upper Waiting Hall of the Houses of Parliament. ‘Re-framing disability’, which has toured Britain and Ireland, explores a group of rare portraits from the 17th to the 19th centuries, held by the Royal College of Physicians. The portraits depict disabled men and women of all ages and walks of life, many of whom earned a living exhibiting themselves to the public. The exhibition will be available for all MP’s and peers to view as well as those visiting the House of Commons for meetings or events.

The exhibition uncovers the extraordinary hidden histories behind the portraits and looks at their impact today through contemporary responses from disabled people. Some individuals, such as conjoined ‘Siamese’ twins Chang and Eng Bunker (1811–74), are still famous today. Others, including professional artist Thomas Inglefield (b1769), who was born without legs or hands, are now forgotten.

‘Re-framing disability’ will be displayed in Parliament until Thursday 5 December. 2013