Beyond Limits Exhibition

A look at life living with disability will be the focus of a new exhibition coming to The Beaney, Canterbury in the summer.

Strode Park Foundation has been working with local photographer Harry Booker to portray a day in the life of four of its residents.

The exhibition, titled ‘Beyond Limits’, will open from Saturday 25 May and run until Sunday 4 August at The Beaney House of Art & Knowledge in Canterbury.

The exhibition has been named Beyond Limits to showcase the determination and a willingness of our residents who are pushing boundaries and instil that nothing is impossible. Their disability doesn’t define who they are.

The residents who are featured in our exhibition are Aaron from Strode Park House, Ryan from the Coach House, Ryan from our Supported Living service and Monica from Lady Dane Farmhouse.

Director of Fundraising and Communications, Karen Jeal, said: “We have loved working with Harry and our residents who expressed an interest in being part of this wonderful project. As a charity we believe in independence, well-being and choice, and promote these ideals throughout our care services, enabling people to live life the way they choose. We really hope our photos encapsulate these values and allow us to share our story and our purpose as charity with a wider audience.”

Strode Park Foundation, established in 1946, provides vital care, support services and supported living opportunities to children, young people, and adults with a range of disabilities. With homes across Kent in Herne, Canterbury, Faversham and Medway, the charity main aims are to meet all levels of need; from those requiring a small amount of care to maintain their independence, to supporting individuals with more complex disabilities requiring neuro-rehabilitation or 24-hour nursing care.

Harry, from Herne Bay, has been a photographer for nine years and felt a real connection with the residents while capturing their stories through the lens. He said: “Working with the residents across the sites has been an amazing experience that I would do again 100 times over. Each resident mentioned how fun the project has been and how much they loved being a part of it. Thank you to the team for allowing me to work with the residents and trusting me to bring their visions to life!”

We would like to say a special thank you to the following people who have enabled us to put this exhibition on – Herne Bay Rotary Club, The Queenborough Fishery Trust, supporters who attended our fundraising quiz night and the support of The Beaney.

Leanne Macdonald, The Beaney’s Health and Wellbeing Programme Co-ordinator, said: “The Beaney are delighted to welcome Strode Park Foundation to the Front Room Gallery this summer, as part of our ongoing work together. We hope our visitors will be moved by the fantastic photographic display and learn more about this important organisation.”

The exhibition will feature in The Front Room Gallery at The Beaney. Admission is free but donations are encouraged.

Opening hours:

Monday: Closed
Tuesday to Saturday: 10am to 5pm
Sunday: 11am to 4pm