Technology and Ageing Photographic Exhibition Tours UK Parliaments
A major photography exhibition involving the University of Bath has taken place in all four UK parliaments this summer. The exhibition, entitled 'Left to Our Own Devices', aims to challenge preconceptions about older people and technology, to promote the inclusion of older people in the design of technology, and to inspire technological solutions to the real, not imagined, problems of ageing.
The exhibition has been jointly run by KT Equal, a knowledge transfer consortium dedicated to exploiting research into ageing and disability, with support from Age UK, a national charity which aims to improve later life for all. The prestigious EPSRC funded research consortium includes expertise from the University of Bath, where Professor Christopher Eccleston is the Bath Investigator, working together with the Universities of Cambridge, Edinburgh, Loughborough, Reading, Salford, and Sheffield.
Througout 2011 ‘Left to our own devices’ attracted hundreds of entries from both amateur and professional photographers. The strongest images (and stories) are all being exhibited.
A panel of expert judges selected 12 winning images, not solely for their photographic merit but for the way their challenged stereotypes related to the central theme of older people’s experiences with technology. First place prize far left.
Junior Minister Martina Anderson MLA and Junior Minister Jonathan Bell MLA at the Parliament Buildings in Stormont, Northern Ireland, welcomed the exhibition, marking the first time the winning images were viewed by the public.
The images then toured the Scottish Parliament in Holyrood, hosted by Jackie Baillie MSP, before reaching the Welsh Assembly, hosted by Ieuan Wyn Jones AM, in the following weeks. A major reception at Westminster with Penny Mordaunt MP concluded the UK parliamentary tour.
Professor Eccleston said: “These images are inspiring. They are a showcase for engineering creativity, imagination, and technical skill. Time and time again we see how people create or adapt technology for positive purposes.”
To view the winning images showcased at the UK Parliamentary tour please see: www.lefttoourowndevices.org.uk
For further information on KT Equal please see: www.kt-equal.org.uk 
Left to right:
Prof Gail Mountain (Director, KT EQUAL) and Ieuan Wyn Jones AM (Assembly Member for Ynys Mon) at the National Assembly for Wales exhibition in Cardiff Bay.
Prof Chris Eccleston and Jackie Baillie MSP at the exhibition in the Scottish Parliament, Holyrood.
Prof Catharine Ward-Thompson and Prof Trevor Cox (PIs on KT EQUAL) with Junior Minister Jonathan Bell MLA in Parliament Buildings, Stormont reception.
Photography: KT-EQUAL Ian Hinchliffe