This week I met a lady who has been in prison for 18 years and is delighted to be moving on to open prison regulations which means she will be allowed out for specific activities. I discovered she is an excellent artist. She was one of 6 women who created a superb sculpture which greets visitors to HMP Send in Bisley. Recently she created a dress from can tops donated by the Women’s Institute. Her accompanying officers said it was a work of art. Now she has a commission to create a suit of chain mail from similar material.
I learned that a gallery in Surrey near Farnham has established an art programme in HMP Send. I first met this lady 4 years ago and now I see someone with real purpose and direction.
She is positive about her release as she has family support despite 18 years inside. I found her situation gave me real hope.
Jill Pipe