Lepra brings thought-provoking photography exhibition to Coventry Cathedral, 27th-29th September.

A New Face for Leprosy | Photographic Exhibition in Coventry

• Dates: 27th - 29th September 2024 | 10am - 4pm
• Location: Coventry Cathedral, 1 Hill Top, Coventry CV1 5AB
• Price: FREE
• Booking: click here to get your free tickets

For almost 100 years, UK-based charity Lepra has supported some of the world’s most vulnerable communities, affected by neglected tropical diseases such as leprosy.

To commemorate Lepra’s centenary in 2024, a free photographic exhibition titled ‘A New Face for Leprosy’ is touring the UK and will come to Coventry Cathedral from 27-29 September. Free refreshments will be available.

The ‘New Face for Leprosy’ exhibition is a collection of thought-provoking images from photographer Tom Bradley, alongside interviews by leading leprologist Professor Diana Lockwood, as they travelled to Lepra’s projects in India and Bangladesh.

Typically, images of leprosy focus on extremities of disabilities, serving only to reinforce widely held misconceptions, fears and beliefs. ‘A New Face for Leprosy’ seeks to challenge the myth and perception of leprosy. 

By showing people affected by leprosy experiencing normal life, working and having a family, the exhibition encourages people to see past the disease.

Tom explains, “I wanted to capture honest portraits…one of the foremost things was to photograph people as human beings before people affected by leprosy. Even if someone has a disability because of leprosy, the photos don’t always show that.

Sometimes the people photographed were diagnosed early and have absolutely no problems, which is a very important part of the story.”

Serious, life-altering disabilities often associated with leprosy can be lessened, or entirely avoided, with early detection and treatment. For Lepra, community education and engagement are key to controlling this ancient disease, and reducing the physical, social, economic and emotional impact of diagnosis.

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About Leprosy

Leprosy is a communicable disease, caused by bacterium, which affects the skin and peripheral nerves of people.  If left undiagnosed or untreated it can cause severe disability.  A diagnosis often results in severe prejudice and discrimination.  Leprosy can incubate in a human anywhere from 6 months to 20 years; and as a result, it is often difficult to diagnose the disease until it has already caused significant damage.
 
Millions of people are affected, with numbers continuing to rise.  For over 7 million people across the world, leprosy causes damage to their health, livelihoods, and futures.  600 people are diagnosed with leprosy every day and 50 of those are children.
 
About Lepra
 
Lepra is a UK-based charity working in India and Bangladesh to change the lives of people affected by leprosy. Established in 1924, the British Empire Leprosy Relief Association (BELRA) was inaugurated by H.R.H The Prince of Wales at Mansion House in the City of London.  We’ve been known simply as Lepra since 2008.  Working in India and Bangladesh, we find, diagnose, treat, and rehabilitate people affected with leprosy with specialists diagnosing leprosy by using skin test patch anaesthesia, skin smears and non-invasive sensory investigation. We also work tirelessly to fight the prejudice and discrimination they face in their daily lives.
 
To find out more about Lepra's work, check out their website.