A Silent Rowntree’s was a bold and imaginative workshop that brought together disability, heritage, and the expressive power of silent film. Specifically designed for d/Deaf adults in York, the workshop was delivered in British Sign Language (BSL) and invited participants to explore the legacy of the Rowntree family, renowned for their commitment to social reform, justice, and equity, through a disability arts lens.
Participants delved into Rowntree’s vintage marketing materials, reinterpreting them with fresh perspectives and designing their own creative responses. Through engaging physical games, they connected through laughter, movement, and collaboration, culminating in the creation of unique silent film shorts—striking visual stories told without dialogue but rich in imagination and meaning.
No prior experience was needed, just a spirit of experimentation and a willingness to reimagine history in bold, inclusive ways.