Swansea University
We designed an exhibition for Swansea University, part of a £58,200 Heritage Lottery Fund project to examine and share the heritage of a pioneering disability charity.
The Longfields Association was set up in 1952 by parents of children with cerebral palsy who campaigned for their children to have an education. This led to the first school in Wales of this kind being opened in April 1953. Initially based in Uplands, the school then moved to new premises in West Cross in 1955. Originally it was called Swansea and District Spastic Association, though the name was later changed to Longfields, after the house in which the charity was based. Longfields later provided job opportunities to some of its former pupils with the establishment of the Work-Centre in 1962 and then the Occupational Therapy Unit which opened in December 1967. In later years it became a day centre which closed in 2011.
The exhibition also assesses the wider significance of Longfields, which played an important role in the social history of Swansea and the wider disability movement. It developed innovative approaches in providing services for disabled people, against a backdrop of changing social attitudes towards disability.
Memories of local people who had any connection to Longfields along with individuals who were part of Longfields contributed to the exhibiton.
Materials and memories gathered for the exhibition will form an online archive.
Really pleased to work with Jon on displays for heritage project exhibition. His creative talents made the exhibition displays vibrant. Tight timescales were no problem. Lots of good feedback from exhibition visitors. Would not hesitate to recommend Jonathan Hurley Design Solutions to others. First class!
Teresa Hillier
Legacy of Longfields Project
