Exhibition Highlights the Importance of Possessions for Homeless People

An unusual and deeply thought provoking exhibition has opened in Swindon’s Brunel Shopping Centre.

“The Most Precious Thing I have in My Possession” is an interactive photography exhibition that uses images and personal narrations to show the impact that often everyday objects have for people who are homeless. Featuring 49 fine art quality images of various items, plus voice recordings made by the homeless person, the exhibition shows how seemingly ordinary objects are treasured or act as a strong metaphor of hope.
 
Threshold Housing Link, a Swindon-based charity that supports homeless individuals, has put the exhibition together. The art images are accompanied by QR codes so visitors can use their own mobile devices to hear the voices and short personal stories of people who are homeless explaining, in their own words, why the object is precious to them. The idea for the project began earlier this year during a photography workshop for homeless people in Swindon. Participants took pictures of their most treasured possessions and discussed why the items were so important to them. The stories that came out of the workshop were moving and thought provoking. Michael Keenan, Business Manager for Threshold explains. Michael says: “Each image and narrative is a deeply personal story and provides a glimpse into the existential and phenomenological realities in the lives of homeless people. The scant but precious objects, some of which evoke emotionally charged memories, provide hope and metaphorical, philosophical or tangible lifelines for the individuals concerned.”
 
The exhibition is primarily staffed by residents of Threshold who themselves are homeless and are being assisted by the charity.  Open daily until New Year’s Eve (except 25 & 26 December) it is situated on the ground floor of The Brunel Plaza, near to Havelock Square entrance and next to Sainsburys.  The exhibition also features a small selection of sculpture and poetry, also created by individuals being assisted by Threshold.
 
Jane Stewart is Marketing Manager of The Brunel and said that the centre was delighted to be able to host the exhibition.  Jane said: “When Threshold were looking for a venue they approached us and we were only too pleased to help and fortunate to be able to let them have use of a recently vacated unit in a prime location.
 
“It’s truly humbling to see the reactions of shoppers who visit the exhibition.  People are very moved by the images, hearing the stories and talking to those who themselves are currently homeless.  It is a truly innovative project, which is highlighting the very human side of what is at times a divisive subject.  It is also motivating people to ask how they can help on a practical level.  The profile of Threshold as a charity is being vastly improved locally and that’s to the credit of those behind the project”.
 
Also supporting the venture are local ice-hockey team, Swindon Wildcats.  Players from the team will be at the centre on Friday 1 December at 2pm.  Sally Price, Commercial Manager at Swindon Wildcats said: "This is such a fantastic charity and we here at the Wildcats are honoured to help raise awareness of such a great cause. We held a charity evening for Threshold at the game last Saturday and it was a real eye opener to learn more about this fantastic charity and the people that help and support it. I am really looking forward to visiting the exhibition this Friday with some of our Wildcat players, we will be there from 2pm so if there are any Cat fans out there that are available to come along please do, lets show what awesome fans we have here by supporting this amazing charity."
 
To find out more about the project or Threshold Housing Link contact Business Manager Michael Keenan, email [email protected]