An exhibition of photographs telling powerful and personal stories about people who receive care in Bradford can be seen at Bradford Industrial Museum later this month.

The Portraits of Our Time exhibition has been made possible by the Bradford Care Association, Elderthorpe Care Home and Bradford-based photographer Louise Rayner.

People who receive care in Bradford were photographed holding a cherished item that reflects a meaningful moment, passion or connection for them. Together the portraits celebrate care through photography and storytelling and make up a powerful tribute to the rich tapestry of experiences in the community.

The first portraits were taken by Louise Rayner at Elderthorpe Care Home in Shipley, where her mother lives. She wanted to show care homes not as places where people are forgotten but as places full of stories, warmth and lives worth celebrating.

Bradford Care Association invited other care providers to participate as part of its year-long Bradford 2025-funded Creative Health initiative and over 50 more people were photographed in care settings across Bradford.

The launch of the exhibition on 24^th January is part of a wider event marking the end of the project, delivered in partnership with Bradford Museums and Galleries .

Local media are invited to attend the event for photos, interviews and filming:

What:              Creative Health Finale & Portraits of Our Time Exhibition
When:             Saturday 24th January 2026, 12 noon to 3pm 
Where:            Bradford Industrial Museum, 235 Moorside Road, BD2 3HP

“We’ve had an amazing year delivering Creative Health events and activities across Bradford and we’re delighted to be co-hosting the Creative Health Finale Celebration alongside the Portraits of Our Time exhibition,” said Louise Bestwick, CEO of the Bradford Care Association.

“The photographs themselves are absolutely wonderful, and the stories behind them are both touching and inspiring. It’s been a tremendous effort by everyone involved.”

Those attending the event will have the chance to explore a range of new resources such as sensory films, accessibility trip reports, and reminiscence resources.

All the resources have been designed to support activity coordinators, social prescribers and creative health practitioners in leading their own activities.

The portrait exhibition will remain on display at the Bradford Industrial Museum until the end of March 2026. An accompanying booklet featuring people’s stories and photographs is also being published.

Below are some examples of the portraits and the cherished object in the photograph:

• George chose a photograph taken around 1958 during his first teaching post at Wisewood School in Sheffield. It reflects his love of cricket and his proud career as an English teacher.
• Vincent chose to model his sparkly green hat, worn at family parties, dinners, dances and fancy dress events over the years. Originally from Ireland, he worked as a ground worker in construction and values time spent with family.
• Gillian spoke fondly of her love of horses and riding, having had her own horse while still at school. She chose a beautifully carved wooden horse made by Robert Thompson, recognisable by his little mouse mark.
• Olive chose a precious old china ornament for her portrait, given to her as a child after by an elderly lady she helped with shopping, costing just sixpence. It had once belonged to the lady’s mother, and Olive hopes it will stay in the family.

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