Two Guernsey photographers are taking part in a powerful exhibition in Jersey.
Reframing Dementia, a collaboration between ArtHouse Jersey and Dementia Jersey, is a free public photographic exhibition opening across two prominent locations in St Helier – ArtHouse Jersey at Capital House.
Bringing together a series of thought-provoking and deeply human portraits, the exhibition features nine Jersey islanders living with dementia, photographed by five photographers – Paul Chambers and Etienne Laine from Guernsey and Sophie Darwin, Oliver Doran and Natalie Mayer from Jersey.
Exhibited in both an indoor gallery and an outdoor public space, Reframing Dementia invites audiences to look beyond the diagnosis and encounter each person as a whole, complex individual, with their own relationships, skills and stories.
‘It shows aspects of joy, of living well,’ explained Dementia Jersey’s project manager, Dreena Collins. ‘Dementia is progressive but we hope that by doing this exhibition we can show that although it’s not an easy journey, with early diagnosis and ongoing care people can live well.’
The subjects include people who have worked as journalists, electricians, accountants, brewers, pharmacy assistants and lecturers. They have built their own boats, travelled the world, run businesses and been jetskiing in their 80s.
‘One of the subjects, Bill, got his PADI, his scuba diving certificate in his 70s,’ said Dreena. ‘I thought at first it would be a big ask, these people telling their stories in exhibitions in public spaces. Some said “I don’t care, I’ll tell everyone. It’s myth-busting.” I’m really grateful to them.’
Paul Chambers became involved with the project after James Tyson, head of programming at ArtHouse Jersey, emailed him.
‘It sounded similar to what I’d been doing with Face Equality International with the My Face is a Masterpiece exhibition, which is about recalibrating how you look at people. This is about celebrating people with dementia and what they give and reframing how we look at people.
‘Dementia Jersey acquired the funding and wanted to tell their story through visual arts.’
Paul said that they were initially looking for one photographer.
‘But James said “Why not a few?” and suggested that they come across the Channel Islands. Myself and Etienne were chosen from Guernsey.’
A trip to Jersey saw a visit to Dementia Jersey and meeting Dreena and holding workshops.
‘She assigned the right people with the right people. My subjects were Graeme and Bill, who are both in their 80s and they have both lived extraordinary lives.
‘They were extraordinary people. Forgetful, but they still remember so many things. They were full of life and full of energy. My mum had to go in a home six months ago, so it resonated with me, almost embracing my mum’s journey through Graeme and Bill. It was cathartic for me and I am deeply honoured to tell their story.’
Paul did five wet plates of each sitter.
‘I wanted to capture their gaze, their humanity, their extraordinary journeys and how they are viewed now with dementia.
‘I showed Graeme with his squeezebox, harmonica and a chainsaw – yes, he still uses a chainsaw – and also playing the bagpipes in a kilt.
‘For Bill, who built his own boat, I got him with a spirit level and a plane.
‘He lives next door to St Andrew’s Church and I wanted to capture him in the church – he’s been going since he was five. When he went he dressed up in a jacket and tie. I caught him looking reflective.’
As is evident Paul loved being part of this project.
‘It emphasises how important it is for artists to tell stories that matter,’ he said.
Claudine Snape, CEO of Dementia Jersey explained that the exhibition is grounded in care.
‘By bringing this work into public spaces, we hope to create moments of connection and reflection and to gently shift how dementia is seen and understood within our community. It’s about making space for empathy, recognition and a more hopeful, human narrative.’
‘This exhibition offers powerful reassurance,’ said Dementia Jersey CEO Claudine Snape. ‘It shows that life does not stop at diagnosis and that people continue to be themselves: connected, capable, and full of meaning. We hope it encourages anyone affected by dementia, and those around them, to feel less alone and more confident about reaching out for support.’
Reframing Dementia runs until Sunday 7 June 2026 at both ArtHouse Jersey at Capital House and at Royal Square. Entry is free and open to all.
