Olfabet, The world at your fingertips: tools for the blind education

Abstract

Aids developed by Spermalie for education of the blind

The Spermalie Institute is a household name in Bruges. Founded in 1836 by Canon Charles-Louis Carton, it played an important role in the development of education for blind and visually challenged children, also at an international level. The institute's collection of teaching aids for children with a visual limitation has been preserved. Amongst other things, it consists of tools and instruments to help with reading, writing and arithmetic, as well as objects used during lessons in geography and handicraft. All these resources gave the pupils an opportunity to lead a richer, fuller and more independent life.

At the request of De Kade vzw and Erfgoedcel Brugge (Bruges Heritage Cell), curators and experience experts Piet Devos and Tonia In den Kleef have used a selection of the artefacts from this remarkable collection to create an exhibition in the Arentshuis. Various 'ambassadors' (former pupils and teachers) share their experiences of the institute via a series of audio messages, explaining what education has meant for them in their lives.

Artist Peter de Cupere sought and found inspiration in the search to develop a form of script for the blind and on this basis has developed, in collaboration with a number of visually impaired helpers, an olfactory alphabet.

This is a presentation that offers something for everyone and will appeal both to the imagination and to all your different senses. It is complemented by a series of lectures, guided tours and a film screening.