Bath city centre will host an evocative new photo exhibition exploring the everyday experiences of people with dementia as they navigate public transport. From Wednesday 11 June to Tuesday 24 June, Brunel Square - the gateway to Bath’s train and bus stations – will give voice to personal experiences.

The IN-CITU exhibition is the result of an innovative research project led by Dr James Fletcher from the University of Bath’s School of Management and Institute for Digital Security and Behaviour, who specialises in medical sociology, gerontology, and the impact of digitalisation on ageing.

Working with 25 people living with dementia, Dr Fletcher invited participants to document their journeys using mobile phones—capturing photographs, videos, and conversations that reveal both the challenges and moments of connection found in everyday travel.

The project was carried out in Greater Manchester, but shares themes that are relevant to cities across the UK – how people with dementia adapt to changing urban environments, how digital systems can both support and hinder independence, and encounters with fellow travellers.

“The problems people with dementia face on public transport aren’t always about the buses or trains themselves,” said Dr Fletcher. “They’re often about broader changes in the city—like reduced staffing or digital-only information. I hope this exhibition helps passers-by appreciate the challenges but also the creativity of people with dementia, who are more than capable of producing rich, meaningful work when given the tools.”

One striking image, taken by Joyce at Wythenshawe bus station, captures her moment of confusion when digital displays replaced human staff. The grayscale photo is overlaid with her own words, describing how the change left her disoriented. Joyce, who lost her driving licence after her diagnosis, relies on buses for her independence—but without adequate support, even small changes can become barriers.

The exhibition is welcomed by organisations in Bath supporting people with dementia.

“We are delighted that this exhibition is coming to Bath to help highlight the importance of transport to older people and particularly those impacted by dementia,” said Melissa Hillier, Chief Executive Officer of ReMind UK, an independent charity focused on dementia research, treatment and support with headquarters in Bath. “We hope these inspiring images and quotes from people living with dementia will dispel some of the myths around the condition and bring to life the importance of connection to a place and the interactions with those around us. Hopefully, the exhibition itself will generate new interactions, and discussions in our community and help us generate our own ideas for how to support those living with dementia locally.

“Social isolation is one of over 14 modifiable risk factors related to dementia, and we know that building connections can be beneficial for your mental but also your physical health. This exhibition, and the research behind it, shows clearly that transport should not be seen as just a method to get from ‘A-to-B’ but also an opportunity for people to interact, strike up conversations and share stories. Transport is a place of social interaction, not just a journey and I am sure many of those in Bath viewing the exhibition will identify commonalities to the quotes from those in Greater Manchester.”

Ceri Calonmôr, Ageing Well B&NES Programme Lead, Age UK B&NES/St John's Foundation, said: “I'm really glad to see this exhibition coming to Bath. As B&NES works towards becoming an age-friendly community, it’s so important that we listen to the experiences of older people - especially those living with the reality of dementia. This exhibition is an opportunity to bring that message home in a powerful, human way, and to remind us all that public transport should be enabling, not excluding.”

Dr Fletcher says he hopes that the exhibition will encourage people using public transport in Bath to reflect on how they can engage with others – including being patient with people who might be struggling with digital technology, or striking up a conversation. “You might not give it a second thought,” said Dr Fletcher, “but for some people, even a brief exchange on a bus might be the most important part of their day.”

The research project was funded by Wellcome, and the exhibition is supported by the School of Management.