Release Issued by Mencap:

Under exposed – the world of learning disability
Snap! - a collection of personal images and stories on display at V&A

Snap! sponsored by Fujifilm, is a prize-winning collection of photographs and stories, giving a rare insight into the under exposed world of learning disability. The display at the V&A’s Link Gallery opens on Sunday 17 June until 22 July. Mencap’s display of 36 intimate images will mark the start of Learning Disability Week to raise awareness of a subject which is often ignored.

Started five years ago, Snap! is a competition open to people with a learning disability, their friends and families. Each picture entered is accompanied by a personal story. Snap! has grown in strength and reputation attracting entries from across the UK as well as further a field from Europe and America. This year’s 700 entries, spread across six categories, were judged by a panel including representatives from Fujifilm, The Photographers’ Gallery and The Sorrell Foundation.

David Clemenson has been awarded a sliver in the ‘Through my eyes category’, for his picture entitled Storm Dog. His story sums up the essence of Snap! – “I wanted to take pictures of shadows. I called myself the shadow hunter. To me the dog looks like a mysterious wolf in a storm. Sometimes my disability makes me feel like that. Sometimes I find the world around me confusing as if I am wandering in a storm, a little lost, a little disorientated. Sometimes I think people might see me as being a little mysterious, like the wolf-dog…maybe I like that.”

Dame Jo Williams, chief executive, Mencap said: “Snap! is fantastic for educating people about learning disability in a way that leaves a lasting impression. The stories and images touch your heart and mind. They make you think and make you smile. Seeing the collection as a whole at the V&A is an experience that will stay with you.”

Snap! is sponsored by Fujifilm UK and supported by The Sorrell Foundation and Big Pictures. For more information visit www.mencap.org.uk/snap

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