Exhibition redefines what difference means

A photography exhibition celebrating people who challenge assumptions about difference is set to open in Bishop Auckland.

The Meaning of Being Different, created by portrait photographer Debbie Todd, will launch at Bishop Auckland Town Hall on February 16 and will run until May 16. 

The series features striking portraits inspired by well-known proverbs and idioms, highlighting individuals often misunderstood because of how they look or interact with the world.

Among those featured are Consett’s Tilly Lockey, who uses bionic arms after losing her hands to meningitis, as well as advocate Jono Lancaster, who was born with Treacher Collins Syndrome, and young William Hughes, who has Down Syndrome.

Based in County Durham, Debbie focuses on telling the stories of marginalised people through fine art portraiture. 

She said: “I’ve tried to represent a diverse range of people in the exhibition – people who are often excluded because of how they look or their lifestyle.

“By linking each portrait to a phrase or idiom such as ‘tarred by the same brush’ or ‘a face only a mother could love,’ the sitters and I hope to raise awareness of the impact words can have and promote a kinder and more inclusive society.”

The exhibition marks the first to be staged in the town hall’s newly created mixed-use space, which also houses its library.

It is free and will be available to view from 10am to 4pm, Monday to Saturday. 

To find out more, visit www.bishopaucklandtownhall.org.uk.

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