The Beacon Centre for the Blind has teamed up with Wolverhampton City Archives for an exhibition exploring the history of sight loss in Wolverhampton over the last 150 years.
It features personal stories of inspiring individuals and captures moments where Wolverhampton literally paved the way in terms of accessibility – becoming the first city in the UK to install tactile paving near its roads and railways.
The exhibition also features artefacts provided by the Beacon Centre such as Braille machines, magnifiers and adapted equipment demonstrating the progression of accessibility throughout the 20th century, including adapted board games and a Rubik’s Cube which visitors can try for themselves.
Most importantly, the exhibition celebrates local people and their stories, featuring a series of recently collected oral interviews and newspaper articles which share the journeys and challenges of those with visual impairments. They include Dorothy Hadley, who dedicated her life to volunteering, raising awareness and fundraising for the training of guide dogs, and inspiring those she met to do the same.
The exhibition is a part of the Beacon Centre’s Sight Loss Heritage Project, started in 2025, the charity’s 150th year and made possible thanks to The National Lottery Heritage Fund and the generosity of National Lottery players.
Beacon Centre Chief Executive Lisa Sadler-Todd said: “This exhibition is a wonderful way to bring to life the rich and often overlooked history of sight loss in the area. It not only showcases how far we’ve come in terms of accessibility and support but also shines a light on the remarkable individuals whose stories have shaped that journey.
“At Beacon, we’re incredibly proud to have been part of this history for 150 years, and to contribute to an exhibition that celebrates both innovation and community. We hope visitors will come away with a deeper understanding of the challenges people have faced, as well as the progress that’s been made, and feel inspired by the resilience and determination of those featured.”
The exhibition will run until Saturday 30 May and can be seen during normal Archives opening times. Entry is free.