Living Paintings is a charity based in Berkshire, UK, that is run entirely by volunteer artists. The organization works tirelessly to create tactile picture books and audiobooks for disabled children. One of their landmark programs is their Touch-to-See books. These are tactile books made by Living Paintings artists. Touch-to-See books are made by first hand-sculpting illustrations from existing popular storybooks before using the clay sculptures as moulds to create 3D embossed on paper that aid blind and partially sighted children when reading these books.
Living Paintings use their website as an online library where parents or anyone in the United Kingdom seeking to experience these books can borrow them for free, ensuring that everyone can have equal access to them. Living Paintings also has an expanded repertoire which includes non-fiction books for young adults and adults alike, covering subjects such as art, geography, health and more. These books also include tactile illustrated images, further expanding the organization’s impact in terms of making books accessible for differently abled people. This is why the work that Living Paintings does is aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals of Quality Education and Reduced Inequalities.
The organization also hosts frequent Touch-to-See book clubs as a safe space where disabled people can gather, read and learn together. Their book club titles have been specially designed to aid a group of up to 10 blind or partially sighted people with tactile images and atmospheric audio guides. According to the National Health Service (NHS) more than 2 million people in the UK are living with sight loss, 340,000 of which are registered as blind or partially sighted. This is why initiatives such as Living Paintings are crucial in order to ensure that those who are blind or partially sighted are not left behind in their pursuit of knowledge.
Living Paintings is a remarkable charity that champions accessibility and inclusivity by creating tactile and audio books for blind and partially sighted children and adults. Through their innovative Touch-to-See books, they ensure that literature and education remain within reach for all. Their efforts extend beyond individual reading experiences, fostering community through book clubs designed for shared learning and connection. With millions in the UK affected by sight loss, Living Paintings plays a crucial role in making a profound impact on the lives of those who might otherwise be left behind.
Find out more about Living Paintings and their initiatives on their website www.livingpaintings.org or Instagram @livingpaintingscharity.