Damon Hill: Help Create Living Museum at Normansfield

A group of local charities - led by Down’s Syndrome Association patron and F1 World Champion Damon Hill - has invited local community leaders, celebrities and business executives to visit and help shape the future of Normansfield hospital.29/06/2004

 
F1 World Champion and Down's
Syndrome Association patron
Damon Hill chats to DSA member
Shelley Robinson and baby Emily; © DSA

A long-standing Teddington landmark, Normansfield Hospital was originally the home of pioneering Victorian physician Dr Langdon Down where he provided accommodation, education and recreation for people with Down's syndrome and other learning disabilities in a way that was considerably ahead of its time.

As part of his programme of education Dr Langdon Down built a magnificent Theatre and residents were encouraged to use drama and music as a way to express themselves at a time when others were being condemned to a life in an asylum. After a long association with people with learning disabilities, Normansfield was left derelict until a major refurbishment programme, completed late last year, brought the remarkable Grade II listed Victorian Theatre back to life.

Today, the Down's Syndrome Association, Mencap and other learning disability groups are working with newly formed charity, the Langdon Down Centre Trust (LDC), to create a "Living Museum” to the memory of Victorian physician Dr John Langdon Down.

The aim is to preserve and display the history of Dr Langdon Down's ground-breaking and enlightened work and to create an international Centre of Excellence focusing on issues related to learning disability. The Down's Syndrome Association, and the Strathcona Theatre Company will occupy space in the building and will provide a range of support, services and opportunities to people with learning disabilities.

Carol Boys, Chief Executive of the Down's Syndrome Association said: "The theatre has been beautifully restored and is looking wonderful. We are now fundraising in order to equip the building for multiple uses, and want the entire local community to be very much involved in our plans."

- For further information on Down's syndrome and the Down's Syndrome Association, go to www.downs-syndrome.org.uk.