Museum helps to mark charity's 150 years of work with the blind

A CHARITY which has helped blind people in Sheffield find independence and employment for 150 years is marking the milestone with a museum display to celebrate its work

Originally founded in 1860 as the North of England Manufactory for the Blind, Sheffield Royal Society for the Blind was established to provide support and housing for people with sight loss.

Offering workshops in practical trades such as brush making and mat weaving, the charity was set up to encourage a sense of independence through employment.

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The organisation went on to open a school, as well as purpose built housing and a residential home. Today, at its recently rebuilt centre close to its original base, the society continues to provide support for over 3000 visually impaired people.

A Museums Sheffield spokesman said: "The display at Weston Park Museum has been curated in partnership with Sheffield Royal Society for the Blind and tells the story of the charity's remarkable work over the past 150 years.

"The display is drawn from both the museum's social history collection and the SRSB archive and will feature objects including a 1930s Braille slate and stylus and items used in the original SRSB workshops."

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