Memories & Stories

Celebrating 50 years of the Down’s Syndrome Association

This project was generously funded by
the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

The Memories & Stories project is our opportunity to celebrate what the DSA and the wider Down’s syndrome community has achieved in the last 50 years…and to mark where we are now, creating a multimedia collage in words, audio and photography, of individuals who have Down’s syndrome of all ages.

Memories & Stories Exhibition

The exhibition features the work of 13 well-known photographers, including Richard Bailey, Aron Hosie and Blair Moore.

It juxtaposes the powerful and moving portraits of people who have Down’s syndrome in their 50s, with edgy and stereotype busting images of younger subjects.

Download the exhibition booklet

The stories

The portraits

The next generation

Breaking boundaries

Stories of those over 50

As part of our anniversary celebrations, we will be celebrating the stories of people over 50, to learn about their life and memories over the past 50 years.

So stay tuned and follow us on social media to get updated when a new story is available.

We’re still looking for stories to share!

Are you someone with Down’s syndrome who is over 50?

Or do you know someone with Down’s syndrome in their 50s or over who has got a story to tell or would simply like to tell us about their life over the past 50 years or so? We’d love to hear from you.

Please email DSAPress.office@downs-syndrome.org.uk.

Alan (Oral history)

Stephen

Christopher

Kent

Alan

Alison

Cortina (Oral History)

Denise

John

Mary

Susan (Oral History)

Nina

Sanjiv

Miriam (Oral History)

Anya (Oral History)

Raymond

Rachel

Keith

Lesley

Julie (Oral History)

JOHN

JOHNATHAN (Oral History)

RICHARD (Oral History)

CATHY (Oral History)

ADAM (Oral History)

ANdy

Roger (Oral History)

Emma (Oral History)

Tori

Fiona

The Portraits curated by Richard Bailey

This beautiful collection of portraits demonstrates the changes that have been achieved for people who have Down’s syndrome over the last 50 years. They tell wonderful stories of people thriving in their own communites and being valued members of them.

We captured these images and stories so that lessons can be learnt and the successes repeated and built upon. They shine a light on people with Down’s syndrome, tehy let their voices be heard and they shatter any preconceptions to show how people have flourished over the last 50 years.

A gently smiling man sits in an easy chair. He is smartly dressed and his hands rest, one on the arm of the chair and one on his left knee. The man has Down's syndrome.

George McCullagh by Richard Bailey

George grew up on a large farm in Northern Ireland. He has three sisters whom he is very close to. He enjoys listening to music, watching western movies, singing and painting. He absolutely loves dogs and can’t resist giving them a cuddle when he sees them.

Smiling broadly at the camera, Jonathan stands in front of a blue corrugated wall. He wears a blue sweatshirt and dark trousers. Jonathan has Down's syndrome.

Jonathan Evason By Richard Bailey

Jonathan lives in Yorkshire and works as a foreman at Jennyruth Workshops, a charity and social enterprise set up by his parents. His proudest moment is being a torchbearer for the 2012 Paralympics. He was passed the torch by John Snow and then carried it from St Paul’s Cathedral to Tower Bridge.

Mark sits on a garden bench, resting his right arm over the back of the bench. He wears a bright blue tshirt that brigs out the colour of his eyes that are looking directly at the camera. Mark has Down's syndrome.

Mark Ahrens by Richard Bailey

Mark has a zest for life that makes him the life and soul of the party. His sense of style is original – he’s a real trend setter!

A woman who has Down's syndrome smiles into the camera. She is sitting at a table and has a mug on the table in front of her. She has her elbows on the table and her hands meet, palms together, in front of her. She is wearing glasses.

Tina Pearcy by Susan Andrews

Cortina – or Tina as her friends and family call her – enjoys dancing, yoga, bowling and painting old furniture. Her parents were hotel managers so growing up, she learnt waitressing and housekeeping skills which she has carried through to her adult life. These days, she enjoys an active social life, including spending time with her boyfriend Clive.

Nicholas smiles at the camera. He wears tshirt, trousers and wellington boots and a hat. He is surrounded by flowers. Nicholas has Down's syndrome.

Nicholas Crossley by Richard Bailey

Nicholas lives with his family. They have a herb garden at home and he attends Sheffield Organic Growers two days a week. Nicholas enjoys pricking out seedlings and cutting flowers. He has lots of friends there who he enjoys seeing each week.

A man stares at the camera with an appraising look. He stands against a grey background and wears a grey jumper with Scandinavian designs in white and black. The man has Down's syndrome

Alan Hicks by Niall McDiarmid

Alan lives with his mum and works in the cafe at Leep1. He dreams of being an actor. Alan is proud to have Down’s syndrome and views his work as a Steward for the People’s Parliament as vital for getting the voices of people with learning disabilities heard.

A woman in a yellow and blue flowery dress stands in the corner of a garden, surrounded by flowering shrubs and ferns. The woman has Down's syndrome.

Josie Hunton by Richard Bailey

Josie lives in residential care and visits home once a month for weekends and loves Classic FM. She can tell you which instruments are playing. She loves going to concerts and shows. Her reading and writing is good but not used much. She is a good swimmer and has medals and certificates.

Lee sits, relaxed, on a sofa, in a room full of posters and photographs. Lee, who has Down's syndrome, wears a Grease tshirt.

Lee Blackburn by Richard Bailey

Lee is the resident movie critic amongst his friends and his favourite activity is a trip to the cinema. He’s a happy go lucky gentleman with a smile from ear to ear.

The man, leaning casually against what could be a garden shed, wears jeans and a heavy metal style tshirt. He is smiling gently. He has Down's syndrome.

Barry Humphreys by Richard Bailey

Barry lives in a flat with two friends and works in the local coffee shop one day a week. He enjoys wrestling and spending time on his iPad.

A woman holding a large, bright red open umbrella stands on the edge of the pavement. On her right is a yellow car, on her left the back end of a green bus. The woman, who has Down's syndrome, is dressed in a geometric print dress and wears a white cardigan.

Susan Hanley by Niall Mc Diarmid

Susan is Senior Chair of Leep1, a self-advocacy organisation for people with learning disabilities in Leeds. She lives with her sister and family, and enjoys dogs, needlework, musicals and Midsomer Murders. She has dreams of becoming an MP and loves standing up for the rights of people with learning disabilities.

Keith sits on a garden bench with his arms crossed. He smiles at the camera.

Keith Fish by Richard Bailey

Keith is a very sociable man who enjoys being out every day. He loves attending the local team football and is always giving staff and his friends a Cliff Richard performance.

A smartly dressed woman who has Down's syndrome sits with a brightly coloured cocktail in her hand. The background is warm, dark and cosy. She smiles at the viewer.

Bridget Lynch by Richard Bailey

Bridget grew up as one of 10. She has the best sense of humour and is always full of mischief. Bridget loves art, colour and flowers. She paints and creates each day and she loves country music and dancing. Bridget is very kind, thoughtful and love to share everything with others.

Rachel stands in front of a panelled building in a bright pink top. She smiles broadly, directly at the camera. Rachel has Down's syndrome.

Rachel Silver by Richard Bailey

Rachel was born to be on the stage. Every day is a performance and her high kicks are to die for. Rachel is a natural carer who love to help staff. Her favourite activity would be to go to a West End show.

Julie stands on a wooded footpath and smiles in delight at something out of shot. She is wearing a blue fleece jacket an her hands are in her pockets. Julie has Down's syndrome.

Julie Thompson by Richard Bailey

Julie is a huge Star Trek fan and likes to watch re-runs of old series. She is a busy woman. She works four days a week at a wholefood shop, volunteers at a mother and baby group and is also a parkrun marshal.

A woman smiles gently, looking at the camera. She is standing in kitchen. She holds her hands together in front of her.

Susan Bunje by Sian Davey

‘Always look on the bright side of life’ is how Susie lives her life to the full; whether it’s enjoying sport, music, dancing and generally socialising, or in her role as sister, sister-in-law and aunt, which are very important to her. Susie is also immensely proud of her work; thirty years working in a children’s nursery and now as a volunteer with the YMCA.

James stands in front of a silver birch tree. He looks uncertain and has his arms crossed. James has Down's syndrome.

James Berriman by Richard Bailey

James lives with his wife, Angela. He is a keen Manchester United football fan and enjoys meals out with his family and friends.

A woman sits on a comfy chair and looks into the camera. She wears a floral dress, a pink cardigan and has a flower in her hair. The woman has Down's syndrome.

Emma Cooke By Andrew Hamilton

Emma likes taking long walks, drinking coffee and dancing. She loves spending time with her friends and eating good food. The is also the world’s biggest fan of Tom and Jerry.

A woman sits on a wooden chair against a canvas background. She holds a dog on her lap. She is looking, curiously, directly into the camera. She has Down's syndrome.

Miriam Lyne & Billy George by Clare Hewitt

Miriam is married to Steve and has a rescue dog called Billy George. She is a former netball player/coach, a huge Leicester City football fan, and a medal-winning Olympian, having competed alongside her husband as the only married couple in the Special Olympics in 2005.

Rachel stands in the light of a large window. She looks outside with interest. She wears a flowery tunic top and white trousers. Rachel has Down's syndrome.

Rachel Somers by Richard Bailey

Rachel introduces herself as ‘Blondie’ a name she has given to herself since going from a natural redhead to a blonde. She loves music and dancing and has a natural flair for art and design. She thrives on big hugs and cuddles and her family mean the world to her.

Ben stands in a garden, with trees, wildflowers and a hedge in the background. He wears sunglasses, a rainbow top hat and a rainbow striped t shirt

Ben Fogg by Richard Bailey

Ben has been supported by MacIntryre most of his life and now lives in Milton Keynes. Ben recently turned 50 and had a fabulous pride/rainbow themed party with drag queen performers.

A man sits behind a wooden table, leaning against it with his right arm. He smiles into the camera. He is casually dressed and relaxed.

Gary Wooler by Fiona Bailey

Gary enjoys going out for lunch and to the cinema with friends. He loves music and television and his favourite film is Dirty Dancing.

A woman in a silver and black dress stands on a stage and smiles. Her hands are clasped in front of her.

Anya Souza by Laura Pannack

Anya lives in London with Paul, her partner of 35 years. Anya has been a Trustee of the Down’s Syndrome Association for more than 25 years. She feels passionately about fighting for the rights of people who have Down’s syndrome and keeping them up to date with issues that impact their lives.

A man sits in an armchair in the soft glow of light from a partially shaded window. He sits with his hands clasped on his lap and looks thoughtful. He has Down's syndrome.

George Wildgust by Richard Bailey

George was given a life expectancy of just 10 years when he was born, but he has certainly proved doctors wrong. He worked as a gardener before retiring and has always been very independent. He still loves to dance and sing karaoke, as well as draw and colour.

Michelle sits on a sofa and smiles gently at the camera. She has a piece of handiwork on the table in front of her. Michelle has Down's syndrome.

Michelle Porter by Richard Bailey

Michelle is a beautiful person inside and out. She is gentle and shy. She loves a cuddle and completing her sewing. She has a close relationship with her mum, dad and two sisters.

Mary Hughes by Richard Bailey

Mary lives a very independent and busy life. She makes many of her own decisions about work and leisure pursuits and her passion over many years has been dancing, for which she has many trophies. She has lots of friends and enjoys going on trips to the theatre.

A smiling woman leans against the back of an easy chair and holds a cocktail in her other hand. She stands in a hotel lounge.

Julie Anne Lytle by Richard Bailey

Julie Ann lives in Northern Ireland in supported housing. She absolutely adores fashion, colour and make up. Julie Ann’s favourite thing is dancing and, in particular, jiving.

A couple sit behind a table. They both have Down's syndrome. They are both smiling into the camera. The man has a glass of coke and the woman has a mug. On the pale pink wall behind them are portraits of golden era Hollywood stars and in the background is a juke box.

Tommy & Maryanne Pilling by Owen Harvey

Tommy and Maryanne were married in 1995. They met at a local training centre and their affection for each other soon grew. Tommy then produced a plastic ring which he had bought from a vending machine, and the couple were engaged. From that point on they were inseparable. Sadly, Tommy died in the summer of 2020.

Nicky leans nonchalantly against a metal pillar. He is wearing a Tottenham shirt and has crossed arms. He is looking at something behind the photographers right shoulder. Nicky has Down's syndrome.

Nicky Harris by Richard Bailey

Nicky is the resident artist in his community and has a love for superheroes. He is also football mad, supporting the mighty Tottenham Hotspur.

Sanjiv sits on a window seat with a background of flowery curtains. His eyes are closed and his hands are held together in front of his body. He wears a lightweight shirt. Sanjiv has Down's syndrome.

Sanjiv Malviya by Richard Bailey

Sanjiv is one of three siblings and he is incredibly close to hi immediate and extended family. He takes great pride in his appearance and will insist on attending a barber for his monthly haircut. Sanjiv loves dancing and partying and is always the first and last on the dancefloor.

Sarah stands with her back leaning against an apple tree. She smiles warmly at the camera. She wears a read tshirt with silver butterflies and her name printed on it in golden glittery letters. Sarah has Down's syndrome.

Sarah Morrish by Richard Bailey

Sarah is described as the most naturally warm person you could meet. She loves life and all activities associated, including the dentist! Sarah loves nothing more than an afternoon sat in the pub with a couple of beers.

Martin sits on a sofa, leaning his chin on his right hand which is itself propped up on the arm of the sofa. Martin has Donw's syndrome.

Martin Baker by Richard Bailey

Described as ‘The Boss!’ Martin is always looking to help others and making sure everyone is ok. He is said to give the best hugs and makes a nice cuppa.

Paul sits on a sofa, holding a pool cue. He's wearing a smart blue and white flora shirt, chinos and boots. He's smiling gently

Paul Hughes by Richard Bailey

Paul lives with his sister Emma and her children. He goes to a day service five days a week where he helps out in technology workshops and volunteers at a food bank. Since the pandemic he has become a TikTok sensation. Videos of Paul and his niece Maya have been viewed millions of times online. He says ‘I love being famous!’

A man who has Down's syndrome stands and smiles at the camera. He is wearing a striped jumper in grey, black and dark blue. He holds a photograph of his younger self in his hands.

Berge Kanikanian by Adam Hinton

Berge feels passionately about making sure his voice, and the voices of his peers, are heard. As a Learning Disability Awareness trainer, he has delivered more than 100 training sessions to nurses, doctors and others in the medical profession. He was also invited to the House of Commons to give feedback about healthcare…a moment he says, he is very proud of.

A woman wearing a flowery skirt, a pink cardigan and a blue scarf stands among clumps of cosmos flowers. She has Down's syndrome.

Anne-Mary Haward Smith by Richard Bailey

Anne-Mary grew up in Devon where she lived with her mum in a Shared Lives family. She has recently moved to Scotland to be near her extended family. Anne-Mary loves dancing, singing, crafts and socialising.

A man wearing a red sweat shirt, jeans, boots and a green apron stands in among the plants at a garden centre. His thoughtful gaze looks directly into the camera. The man has Down's syndrome.

Chris Davies by Richard Bailey

Christopher grew up with his mum and dad and three sisters in South Wales. His hobbies include horse riding, snooker and disco dancing – especially to Shakin’ Stevens. He enjoys working at a pottery/garden centre in Aberdare.

Peter stands in a garden surrounded by trees. He has a shirt and tie on and is adjusting the watch on his wrist. Peter has Down's syndrome.

Peter Wallace by Richard Bailey

Peter lived at home with his parents until he was 51. Since then, he has lived with support from Shared Lives South West. Peter loves filing and keeping his paperwork, photos and drawers in order. He also enjoys photography, swimming and drama. Peter loves to make people laugh.

James stands in a garden. His stance is confident and relaxed. He is wearing mirrored shades and a shirt with a flaming dragon printed on it. James has Down's syndrome.

Ian Forrest by Richard Bailey

Ian is the resident DJ in his community. He loves to keep up to date with the most recent music and helps DJ at all the parties. Ian is mad for Las Vegas and went for three weeks a couple of years ago. He has a paid job working at MacIntyre in their co-production and advocacy team.

Nigel turns to look at something outside his window. He wears a blue sweater and is smiling. Nigel has Down's syndrome.

Nigel Land by Richard Bailey

Nigel enjoys football and absolutely loves drinking tea. His favourite television programme is Tipping Point and he is very close to his brother, Bill.

A black and white photographs of a woman who has Down's syndrome. She stands facing the camera, right hand on hip, in a coat, jeans, tunic top and boots. She stares directly into the camera. She stands on a beach or spit and there is sea in the background.

Tonda Photographed By Fiona Yaron Field

Tonda was born in Kuwait and lived there, California and Hong Kong when she was growing up. She now lives near the seaside in the UK with her husband Martin. They both love attending their drama group and performing in big shows at the Palace Theatre in Southend.

A man who has Down's syndrome reclines on a bed. He is looking out of a window.

Andrew Morris by Enda Bowe

Andrew loves music, exercising and watching television. He’s great at telling stories and enjoys going to art and drama classes. Andrew also has a passion for cooking.

David stands in a garden, with a tree and hedge behind him. His hands rest gently in his pockets. He is wearing a Stranger Things tshirt. David has Down's syndrome.

David Wilding by Richard Bailey

David is a quiet, cheeky man with a love of Doctor Who and most soap operas. He is often first on the dance floor and makes everyone smile.

John sits at a bar with a pint of lager in his hand. He's smiling at the camera. He is wearing a cheque shirt. John has Down's syndrome.

John Palmer by Richard Bailey

John played football in the 1989 Special Olympics in Leicester and is a keen Everton FC fan. He still lives independently, and held down a job at a local factory for more than 20 years. John loves a dance floor and enjoys showing off his ballroom and Latin moves.

The next generation by Blair Moore

Fifty years ago being born with Down’s syndrome was a very different story. Families were very much left in the dark and uneducated about the prognosis and what life would be like. But that was then. Advances in medicine, technology, attitudes and opportunities ean that story has been, and continues to be, rewritten.

This series of portraits were shot at Normansfield Theatre.

Coraline sits in an easy chair. She is gazing out of shot and has a rice cake in her right hand. Her left arm leans on the arm of the chair. She wears a colourful pink and rainbow tshirt and leggings and has a bow in her hair. Coraline has Down's syndrome.

Two little girls cuddle on a sofa. One of them has Down's syndrome

Coraline sits cross legged in an easy chair. She is looking straight at the camera. She has a rice cake in her right hand. She wears a colourful pink and rainbow tshirt and leggings and has a bow in her hair. Coraline has Down's syndrome.

Israel stares upward into the space above him. His face is a picture of astonishment. Israel is a little boy who has Down's syndrome. He is sitting in a big space which appears to be a theatre.

Israel sits on a cushion on the floor of a theatre. He has been playing with some toys. He is smiling up at someone behind the camera. Israel is a little boy who has Down's syndrome.

Israel sits on a plush arm chair and smiles at someone behind the camera. Israel is a little boy who has Down's syndrome.

Breaking Boundaries by Aron Hosie

I was very honoured to be asked to create a series of images for this exhibition. The idea was to inject a dose of glamour, a provocative edge and a nod to the world’s of fashion and Hollywood into the photos. The result, hopefully, is a set of images that put a smile on your face and raise an eyebrow at the same time. Possibly even raise a question or two.

We live in a time where inclusivity is at the forefront of social thinking, where old ideas and stigmas are slowly being torn apart around race, ethnicity and minority groups. I like the idea of challenging how we see Down’s syndrome and trying to push those boundaries.

A man peers over the top of a copy of Playboy magazine, which he holds with the cover to the camera. He stands against a neutral background. His expression is quizzical and cheeky. He has Down's syndrome.

A man, sits on a stylish velvet sofa. He is wearing a dinner jacket and the bow tie is undone. He looks directly at the camera. Two women sit on either side of him. They are dressed elegantly and sit facing him, leaning in, though their gazes look out of the shot. The man has Down's syndrome, the women do not.

A man sits behind a desk, writing in a notebook in front of him. The desk is large and has an old fashioned rotary phone and a lamp on it. He is wearing a dark grey rollneck sweater. He gazes directly into the camera. One glamorously dressed woman to the man's right holds the phone handset and is about to dial a number. On the man's left, another glamorously dressed woman bends over him and points to something in the notebook. The man has Down's syndrome. Neither of the women have Down's syndrome.

Two women sit on a stylish velvet sofa. They both hold glasses of champagne and look like they are chatting. They are both dressed glamorously. To their left, a man in a dinner jacket sits on the arm of the sofa and looks at the woman facing him. He is holding a long stemmed rose. The man has Down's syndrome. The woman do not have Down's syndrome.

A man sits on a gravelly beach, leaning against a yellow sports car. He wears jeans, black tshirt and a denim jacket. He is wearing sunglasses. In one had he holds a can of beer...the other cans are next to him. He gazes out into the distance. The man has Down's syndrome.

A man sits in a yellow sports car with the sea in the background. He wears a denim jacket, sunglasses and has a toothpick in his mouth. The epitome of cool. The man has Down's syndrome.

A man stands behind a desk. His hands are on the desk and he leans forward. The desk is large and has an old fashioned rotary phone and a lamp on it. There is a notebook in front of the man. He is wearing a dark grey rollneck sweater. He gazes directly into the camera. Two woman perch on the desk on either side of the man. They are glamorously dressed and have notebooks and pens, as if they are taking notes. The man has Down's syndrome. Neither of the women have Down's syndrome.

A man sits on the edge of a tall stool against a neutral background. He wears a grey sweater and jeans. He smiles into the camera, full of confidence. The man has Down's syndrome.

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