I’ll Tell You Later @ Williamson Art Gallery and Museum

BSL Happy Snappers and Emma Case

Join us for an inspiring exhibition showcasing the work of the BSL Happy Snappers, a Wirral-based photography group made up of both Deaf and BSL users. 

I’ll Tell You Later explores the relationship between the Deaf experience and the hearing world. It sheds light on the barriers D/deaf individuals face, while showing the BSL Happy Snappers as a powerful example of how inclusive, supportive communities can break down these obstacles. Through their work, the group highlights the importance of creating a more inclusive society that benefits everyone.

This exhibition is an opportunity to engage in meaningful conversation through the lens of photography.

“I am deaf”: read a photographer’s reflection on the exhibition.

Emma Case is a socially engaged photographer working with local communities focusing on projects that often explore home, identity, memory and place. Emma is interested in building real relationships over time and working collectively, often looking at social issues and their impact but through the lens of changing the narrative through storytelling. Emma is a user of British Sign Language and has worked with the Deaf community for over 20 years; from support worker with SignHealth to Actress with Deafinitely Theatre. Emma is extremely passionate about accessibility for Deaf audiences and artists within cultural spaces.

“Reclaim a narrative”: read Emma Case’s reflection on the exhibition

Exhibition feedback:

• What an inspiring exhibition! Raising the awareness of BSL is so important – it should be taught in schools, early years. We are supposed to be an inclusive society – this exhibition reminds us to ‘try harder’ at including everyone. BSL is fascinating and very hard to learn. From an ‘old’ (as in 60s) BSL student…trying to learn.
• Really enjoyed this exhibition! Captures raw feelings and emotions, as a hearing person I can only imagine. Grateful for my friends in this photo. Have been a big part in my learning BSL journey! 
• Excellent exhibition. As the wife of a husband who is very deaf, I have learned very much on how to make him feel part of the company in a social gathering. Thank you. 
• Thanks for creating this space where people can become more aware of how we all communicate. It’s not just about words and sounds, it’s an energy that needs to be shared. I’ve experienced how hard and frustrating it can be to feel ignored or misunderstood. Always remember; it’s about being present and making others feel seen. Never underestimate someone’s feelings; they deserve our attention! I loved this work! 
• I didn’t know much about deafness or hearing loss but this exhibition has been a real eye opener for me and the family. What a lovely group of people getting together to share your life experiences with us. Thank you. 
• A fantastic exhibition documenting the D/deaf community. As one myself, I felt most at home reading and looking at the photos. It can be hard living with hearing loss but there is always light at the end of the tunnel with new technologies invented each year. I thank my year 5 teacher for interacting with my mum to get my hearing checked. I stood a better chance at high school and now I am a qualified secondary school art and design technology teacher!
•  Losing my hearing at my age of 84 has been a slow process, but my granddaughter has problems – so I can sympathise more with her than most hearing people. I have taken away a photo of the beautiful words to show to Niamh as she now has cochlear implants.
• Thank you for teaching us sign language. I have learnt the sign for chicken nugget.

Happy Snappers are a group of friends who are both Deaf and BSL users. They get together and enjoy life outside and explore some of the Wirral’s hidden locations and beautiful scenery, and capture these locations on camera. They are not a professional photography group but share the same love of meeting people, socialising and having fun. 

I’ll Tell You Later is part of Photo Here, a programme of socially engaged photographic residencies and exhibitions commissioned by Liverpool City Region Combined Authority as part of this year’s Cultural Events Programme. Developed by Open Eye Gallery in collaboration with each of six local authorities: Halton, Knowsley, Liverpool, Sefton, St Helens and Wirral.

Image by Jack Walker