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Shadow Signs

,
  • Free
  • Workshop
  • Youth event
  • British Sign Language
  • British Sign Language interpreted
  • Relaxed
People casting silhouettes against a screen.
Shadow Signs. © Cathy Mager.

What you’ll do

Join us for a physical movement workshop that teaches you how to create silhouettes with your hands and body.

The workshop is inspired by our collections and explores the Victorian pastime of shadowgraphy. Shadowgraphy is the practice of creating shadows or silhouettes using an illuminated screen for storytelling, self-expression and communication.

Deaf actors David Ellington and Ciaran O'Breen will guide you through a number of techniques using hand gestures, finger flexes and body movement. You’ll have the opportunity to invent your own shadow signs, create a story or perform with others.

This workshop will be guided in BSL, with voice over interpreters available for non-signers.

Chill-Out Room

Any time you want to find a space away from the activities, you can head to our Chill-Out Room to lie down or relax. There will be low lighting, comfortable seating, cushions, mats, ear defenders, earplugs and sensory toys.

Who can come

This workshop is for people aged 14 to 19 years old and disabled people aged 14 to 25 years old. 

Dates

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Tickets via Eventbrite

Need to know

Location

We’ll be in the Studio on level 1. When you enter Wellcome Collection, head up the stairs or take the lift, then follow the signs.

Place not guaranteed

Booking a ticket for a free, in-person event does not guarantee you a place. You should aim to arrive 15 minutes before the event is scheduled to start to claim your place. If you do not arrive on time, your place may be given to someone on the waiting list.

Waiting list

If this event is fully booked, you may still be able to attend. We will operate a waiting list, which opens 30 minutes before this event starts. Arrive early, and we’ll give you a numbered ticket. If there are any unfilled places just before the start time, we will invite you to enter in order of ticket number.

British Sign Language

This event will be delivered in British Sign Language.

British Sign Language interpreted

This event will have British Sign Language interpretation.

Relaxed

This is a relaxed event, which means that if you need to, you are welcome to move around and make noise at any time.

For more information, please visit our Accessibility page. If you have any queries about accessibility, please email us at access@wellcomecollection.org or call 0 2 0. 7 6 1 1. 2 2 2 2

Our event terms and conditions

About your facilitators

David Ellington

David is an award-winning Bristol-based creative. He founded VS1 Productions following his passion in film making, and he specialises in Deaf sign language-related topics across a wide range of genres, from community-focused documentaries to short-form dramas. David has led numerous Deaf Awareness training sessions and workshops in the theatre arts sector.

Ciaran O’Breen

Ciaran is a deaf, Bristol-based actor, workshop facilitator and BSL guide. Most recently, he played Captain Chatter in 'Wonder Boy' at Bristol Old Vic and on the UK tour. He was a finalist for an Offies Award in 2025.