A powerful exhibition showcasing the lives of Bradford teenagers has opened at Bradford Royal Infirmary (BRI). “25 for 25,” part of the larger Born in Bradford: Age of Wonder project, features portraits of 25 young people, each accompanied by a personal quote, offering a glimpse into their experiences during adolescence.
Born in Bradford: Age of Wonder is a seven-year study, supported by the NIHR Applied Research Collaboration (ARC) Yorkshire and Humber, that explores the teenage journey through surveys, health measures, and in-depth interviews.
The “Teenage Stories” component, in collaboration with photographer Carolyn Mendelsohn, captures the participants’ evolving identities through annual portraits. The exhibition, located on the Level 1 corridor at BRI, officially opened on January 25th, 2025, with attendees including the Lord Mayor and participating families.
Dr. Kate Lightfoot, a research fellow on the project, expressed the joy of seeing the young people’s reactions to their portraits, emphasising the project’s goal of amplifying teenage voices. The exhibition has received positive feedback from hospital staff and families alike.
Age of Wonder: Teenage Stories is still recruiting participants aged 12-14 from the Bradford district. Interested individuals can contact teenage.stories@bthft.nhs.uk for more information.