Gloucestershire SLC co-creates landmark tactile exhibition
As featured on ITV News, Gloucestershire Sight Loss Council (SLC) co-created Totally Tactile, a landmark exhibition at Nature in Art that put blind and partially sighted (BPS) people at the heart of the gallery experience.
Developed as part of the SLC’s work to improve access to arts and culture, the exhibition opened in autumn 2025. It was one of the first fully tactile exhibitions at the gallery designed specifically for BPS visitors and marked a significant step forward in creating accessible art. Working alongside Nature in Art from the earliest planning stages, SLC members used their lived experience to shape a fully tactile, sculptural exhibition. Every decision, from layout to interpretation, reflected the insight of their lived experience. This ensured accessibility was central to the exhibition rather than an afterthought.
The exhibition featured a wide range of sculptures in wood, metal, stonework, and contemporary mixed-media. Each piece offered something unique to explore – from texture, form, temperature, weight, and shape. Visitors were encouraged to connect with art through touch, creating a rare opportunity for BPS people to engage with art independently and freely, at their own pace.
A female visitor in a blindfold, is facing the camera as she touches as sculpture of two animals in a circular formation
Lived experience shaping every decision
Gloucestershire SLC played a central role in shaping how the exhibition worked in practice. SLC members advised on tactile wayfinding, object placement, safe handling, and interpretation, and tested audio guide scripts to ensure descriptions were clear, engaging and meaningful.
One of the SLC’s most impactful recommendations was to invite sighted visitors to wear blindfolds and explore the exhibition through touch alone. This approach was transformative, making tactile engagement the default way people interacted with the art. Families, couples, school groups, and art enthusiasts explored the sculptures. Some visually impaired, some blindfolded, but all discovering the artworks through the same sensory experience. Sighted visitors reported slowing down, noticing details and connecting with the artworks in a new way.
Yahya Pandor, Engagement Manager for South West England, said:
“Totally Tactile showed what is possible when accessibility is designed in from the very beginning, rather than added as an afterthought.
“Thanks to Nature in Art, who we worked closely with, we were able to use our lived experience to shape an exhibition where blind and partially sighted people could explore, enjoy and connect with art on equal terms.”
Removing barriers for everyone
The tactile approach quickly became one of the most celebrated parts of the exhibition. Sighted visitors reported slowing down and engaging more deeply, while BPS visitors described the freedom of exploring without barriers.
The exhibition included audio guides, with detailed sculpture descriptions. High-contrast digital images were also provided, ensuring visitors could choose the access tools that best suited them
Julie, Gloucestershire SLC member, said:
“Creating Totally Tactile was genuinely special. As a blind person, it’s rare to walk into a gallery and be actively encouraged to touch and explore the artwork.
“Knowing sighted visitors were wearing blindfolds and experiencing the sculptures in the same way that I did felt really empowering.
“Working with Nature in Art has been an incredible experience, and I look forward to continuing our work with them.”
Looking ahead
The success of Totally Tactile has led to an ongoing partnership between Nature in Art and Gloucestershire SLC. Work is now underway to develop 3D tactile models of fragile artworks, expanding access across the permanent collection.
This project demonstrates a clear lesson. When BPS people are involved from the start, art becomes richer, deeper, and genuinely inclusive.
A female visitor wearing a blind fold, feels a sculpture of two boxing hares
Would you like to join Gloucestershire and Swindon Sight Loss Council?
We are currently recruiting blind and partially sighted volunteer members living in Swindon. If you want to use your lived experience to help shape local services and influence change, we’d love to hear from you.
Publication date: 16 December 2025