All About Additive continues with the Innovation in Additive series highlighting incredible use cases for 3D printing in helping the visually impaired community experience art in a brand new way.

Next up in our Innovation in Additive series, two engineering students have developed a process by which the blind and visually impaired can enjoy art and museum exhibitions through their ‘Touch and See’ Museum Stands, a project with potential to transform the way people with visual impairments interact with art.

In a groundbreaking initiative, Lancaster City Museums, Lancaster University, and Galloway’s Society for the Blind are teaming up to make art accessible to people with sight loss. By using 3D printing technology, the project aims to create tactile replicas of paintings from the museum's collection, allowing visually impaired individuals to experience and appreciate these works of art in a new way.

Two engineering students from Lancaster University will work closely with the museum and Galloway’s to develop effective methods for 3D printing relief versions of the paintings. The project will involve collaboration with people with sight loss to ensure that the final products meet their specific needs and preferences.

The long-term goal of this project is to equip the museum with the necessary tools and training to produce 3D relief prints for all future exhibitions. This will not only benefit people with sight loss but also provide a unique and engaging experience for sighted visitors.

Professor Claudio Paoloni from Lancaster University's School of Engineering expressed his enthusiasm for the project, highlighting the importance of using technology to break down barriers and provide access to cultural experiences. 

The project is funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) Impact Acceleration Account, demonstrating the commitment to translating research into tangible benefits for society. This innovative collaboration between museums, universities, and organisations supporting people with disabilities is a testament to the power of technology to make the world a more inclusive place.