This October, the New Face for Leprosy exhibition comes to Colchester Library for a free, month-long public exhibition exploring the lives and experiences of people affected by leprosy.

The project was conceived in 2019 by Emeritus Professor Diana Lockwood to challenge some of the myths and misconceptions surrounding the disease.

Working with photographer Tom Bradley, the project visited Lepra’s programmes in India and Bangladesh, meeting people affected by leprosy and recording their stories as they dealt with the physical, social and emotional impact of diagnosis.

Bradley’s portraits aim to present the people photographed, first and foremost, as individuals, challenging some of the images traditionally associated with leprosy and showing people living independent, fulfilling lives.

Alongside the photography, the Colchester exhibition will feature artefacts from Lepra’s archives, looking back at the organisation’s history and its work throughout the 20th century to improve the lives of people affected by leprosy and develop new treatments.

The exhibition is free to visit, and no booking or ticket is required.

Two special events will also take place during the exhibition, including a talk on Lepra’s history on Wednesday 21 October and a children’s storytelling session on Friday 30 October.