A COLCHESTER-based charity commemorated its approaching centenary with a touring photographic exhibition.

Lepra was founded in 1924 and works to diagnose, treat and rehabilitate people who have leprosy, an infection that could lead to damage to nerves, skin and eyes.

The charity has been based in Colchester since 1974.

To mark Lepra’s momentous anniversary next year, a touring photographic exhibition titled ‘A New Face for Leprosy’ was launched on October 26 at The Athenaeum, London.

Vice president The Duke of Gloucester was joined by key supporters, trustees and ambassadors.

The exhibition features images from photographer Tom Bradley, alongside interviews by leading leprologist Diana Lockwood as they travelled to Lepra’s projects in India and Bangladesh.

Tom said: “I wanted to capture honest portraits…one of the foremost things was to photograph people as human beings before people affected by leprosy. 

“Even if someone has a disability as a result of leprosy, the photos don’t always show that.

“Sometimes the people photographed were diagnosed early and have absolutely no problems, which is a very important part of the story.”

Serious, life-altering disabilities often associated with leprosy can be lessened, or entirely avoided, with early detection and treatment. 

For Lepra, community education and engagement is key to controlling this ancient disease, and reducing the physical, social, economic and emotional impact of diagnosis.

‘A New Face for Leprosy’ will be touring across the UK throughout 2024, beginning at Westminster Cathedral from 12th-26th January.