Prisoners' Artwork To Go On Show

1 April 2019, 11:30 | Updated: 1 April 2019, 12:14

An exhibition of artwork by prisoners at Lewes Prison and their families that explores what is lost and what can be formed during a prison sentence is due to open at Lewes town hall this month.

The artwork on show will feature paintings, drawings, origami, handprints, illustrations and poetry. All exhibits are the work of inmates at the prison and different generations of their families.

Some of the artwork will be sold to help raise funds to develop a sensory garden at the Lewes prison visitors’ centre, run by Spurgeons Children’s Charity and supported by Sussex Prisoners’ Families. Visitors to the exhibition will also be invited to donate.

Sprugeons Family Services Manager Sam Hart said, "Prisoners really feel their separation from the outside world and often believe they’ve been written off by society.

"But it isn’t just prisoners who are affected; families also experience loss and longing when someone they love is sent to prison, often being left to fend for themselves.

“This exciting exhibition shows how art and the creative process can help those from both sides of the prison barriers find their way through a challenging experience, sometimes even saving lives.”