Canon's tactile photo exhibition will help visually impaired students experience photography in a “completely new way”

Canon has unveiled a photo exhibition tailored for visually impaired students, claiming the unique display will allow young people with sight impairment to engage with photography in an entirely new way. The exclusive exhibition, which is not open to the general public, is a partnership between Canon and the Royal Society for Blind Children (RSBC), and is being held at RSBC Dorton College in England.

The showcases are portraits crafted by seven students from the college during a Canon creative workshop held last year. These portraits have been printed using raised, tactile ink, a process made possible by Canon's proprietary Prisma Elevate XL software. This software utilizes height maps and multiple layers of UV-curable ink to create raised textures up to 4mm high, giving the images a physical dimension that can be explored through touch.

Neale Conroy, marketing director at Canon UK & Ireland, highlighted that the technology will enable visually impaired youngsters to "connect with creativity." Sarah Mallion, vice principal at RSBC College Dorton, expressed that the project has been "incredibly rewarding" to witness students engaging with their work in a tactile and meaningful manner.

The project demonstrates how technology can provide new avenues for young people to connect with their creativity. The RSBC estimates that there are approximately 37,000 blind and partially-sighted children and young people in England and Wales, with four new diagnoses of sight loss occurring daily. Mallion hopes that the Dorton College display, which will remain permanently on view, "marks the beginning" of more accessible exhibitions and learning experiences for visually impaired individuals.