See Mascots, Torches, Racing Wheelchairs and much more across Bucks

7th September 2022

The Together We Build exhibition and events programme kicks off on 9th September and runs until 4th November at cultural venues across Bucks.  12 venues that have chosen to take part, will celebrate our County’s Paralympic heritage by displaying objects chosen by disabled Community Curators, and running events inspired by the Paralympic story.

Our project celebrates the 10-year anniversary of the London 2012 Paralympics, honouring the work of Dr Guttmann and the heritage and stories linked to this amazing event.  We are extremely proud to be working with a group of passionate Community Curators, who are bringing their voices to the project and sharing their stories too.

This is a chance to see a selection of Paralympic objects that have not been on display before, including: the Tokyo 2020 Torch, a Paralympic Athlete’s shirt designed by Stella McCartney for 2012, the Swaypole Dress and Gravity Corset from the 2012 Paralympic Opening Ceremony, lion and futuristic mascots and Chris Hallam’s Racing Wheelchair, among others.  These items will be on display at venues across the County and via our virtual gallery.

On 9th September, we are hosting an online Panel Discussion exploring the legacy since 2012.  This event will also begin to shape our thinking about an Access Manifesto for cultural venues in Bucks.

To find out more about the exhibition and events, to view our virtual gallery and to book a place for the Panel Discussion, please visit: www.buckinghamshireculture.org/Together-We-Build  

Waddesdon Manor are leading on a schools programme for this project and will create a schools resource inspired by the objects chosen by our Community Curators, as well as hosting a schools event on site in September 2022. 

Buckinghamshire Culture is leading this project.  Project partners include those who hold Paralympic collections: Buckinghamshire Archives, Discover Bucks Museum, National Paralympic Heritage Trust and Waddesdon.  And those who will host objects, displays and events for our exhibition: Amersham Museum, Aylesbury Waterside Theatre, Bekonscot, Chiltern Open Air Museum, Discover Bucks Museum, The Elgiva, Marlow Library, Milton’s Cottage, Queens Park Arts Centre and Waddesdon Manor.

For further information about the project and to see all opportunities as they arise please see: www.buckinghamshireculture.org/Together-We-Build and #TogetherWeBuildBucks on social media. 

Or contact Lallie: [email protected] 

Together We Build is made possible with The National Lottery Heritage Fund, thanks to National Lottery players.  Support has also been provided by Buckinghamshire Council.