Living Paintings

Living Paintings Accessible tactile, audio and braille picture books for blind children and young people šŸ“ššŸŽØšŸ§”

09/06/2026

Weā€™re so proud to be launching the new accessible audio tactile version of Gruffalo Granny at the same time that the regular version is launched on September 10th 2026.

Thanks to the generosity of Pan Macmillan for funding this very special version with exclusive audio descriptions read by the wonderful Imelda Staunton hand painted tactile pages and clear braille inserts, to make this incredible story accessible for children who are blind or visually impaired.

Coming to our library on September 10th 2026!



[Video description: The video shows the production process of a Gruffalo tactile page - from carving into wood to pressing into plastic to painting - and visually impaired children reading a tactile version of The Gruffalo. The video has a text overlay which says, 'COMING SOON! Accessible Gruffalo Granny books coming to the Living Paintings library September 10th 2026!']

TESTIMONIAL TUESDAY!We love hearing from the people who use our books, so we thought you might too! These words are from...
09/06/2026

TESTIMONIAL TUESDAY!

We love hearing from the people who use our books, so we thought you might too! These words are from Jenni, a teaching assistant who works with Bella, who is visually impaired and uses our audio tactile books.

ā€œIn a year, Bellaā€™s gone from sitting listening to the stories with me, to reading to herself and now, reading in front of the whole class! Living Paintings books are so inclusive and beneficial for her learning.ā€

Well done, Bella! Weā€™re so happy to hear how our books are helping children grow and reach their full and brilliant potential!



[Image description: Words on an orange background read ā€˜In a year, Bellaā€™s gone from sitting listening to the stories with me to reading to herself and now reading in front of the whole class. Living Paintings books are so inclusive and beneficial for her learning.ā€ The following image is a girl in a white shirt and red cardigan holding an accessible version of ā€˜Just Like My Dadā€™ by David Melling.]

It's the final day of Volunteers' Week 2026, and what a week it's been.To every one of our 150+ volunteers: thank you. F...
07/06/2026

It's the final day of Volunteers' Week 2026, and what a week it's been.

To every one of our 150+ volunteers: thank you. From the bottom of our hearts. What you do is extraordinary, and Living Paintings would not exist without you.

This week we've celebrated your stories, your impact, and your dedication, but the truth is, one week could never be enough to capture everything you mean to us.

We'll be celebrating our volunteers all year long.

If youā€™ve been inspired this week and want to get involved, as a volunteer, donor, or supporter weā€™d love to hear from you. https://livingpaintings.org/support-us/volunteer



[Image description: A series of images including volunteers smiling to camera, a young boy feeling a tactile page, a quote from Kelly, a mother of a child who is blind, that says ā€œHarrison and Alfie canā€™t do a lot together, but the fantastic relationship Alfie has with Harrison is largely due to Living Paintings books - itā€™s something special they can share.ā€ Finally, a call to sign up to the Living Paintings newsletter.]

Volunteers' Week isn't just about the volunteers; it's about the people whose lives they change.Today, we want to share ...
06/06/2026

Volunteers' Week isn't just about the volunteers; it's about the people whose lives they change.

Today, we want to share a story from Kelly, who has two sons: Harrison, who is sighted, and Alfie, who is blind.

Living Paintings supports children who are blind or visually impaired to access art, books, and culture through our audio tactile books and resources and our volunteers are at the heart of that.

ā€œHarrison and Alfie canā€™t do a lot together, but the fantastic relationship Alfie has with Harrison is largely due to Living Paintings books - itā€™s something special they can share.ā€

When you volunteer with us, or support us, you're part of a story like this. That's why it matters.

Find out more about our work, and stay connected, by signing up for our newsletter: www.livingpaintings.org



[Image description: A quote from Kelly, mum to Alfie and Harrison, which says, ā€œHarrison and Alfie canā€™t do a lot together, but the fantastic relationship Alfie has with Harrison is largely due to Living Paintings books - itā€™s something special they can share.ā€ Next, a series of images of Alfie and Harrison reading Living Paintings books together.]

Could you be a Living Paintings volunteer?We're always looking for friendly, committed people to join our team of 150+ v...
05/06/2026

Could you be a Living Paintings volunteer?

We're always looking for friendly, committed people to join our team of 150+ volunteers. And the good news? You don't need to have any specific qualifications for most of our roles, just a love of people, and a few hours to spare.

Here's what our volunteers do: help prepare and pack our audio tactile resources, painting tactile pictures, carving, script writing, book binding and much more.

If any of that sounds like you, we'd love to hear from you! Click below to find out more, or share this post with someone you think would be perfect.

Not ready to volunteer yet? Stay in the loop by signing up to our newsletter: www.livingpaintings.org

04/06/2026

Today, we're handing the mic to our volunteers. Here's what some of them had to say about why they give their time to Living Paintings:

Does any of this resonate with you? We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments below

And if you'd love to hear more stories like these, sign up for our newsletter: www.livingpaintings.org



[Video description: A series of volunteers saying why they like to volunteer at Living Paintings.]

June marks Pride Month and weā€™ve got lots of audio tactile books to help children who are blind or visually impaired fee...
03/06/2026

June marks Pride Month and weā€™ve got lots of audio tactile books to help children who are blind or visually impaired feel included in the conversations taking place this month.

First, thereā€™s Grandadā€™s Camper by Harry Woodgate. An accessible picture book with LGBTQIA+ themes, this touching tale of sharing stories across generations will resonate with readers young and old.

Or, how about Elmer the Patchwork Elephant by David McKee? This story of celebrating uniqueness is a firm favourite amongst our beneficiaries, and with our recent addition of 20 new copies of Elmer to our free postal library, thereā€™s no better time to explore this delightful story.

These titles are available to borrow for free from our postal library. We hope they help children who are blind and visually impaired feel included this Pride Month and beyond.

Andersen Press

[Image description: The first raised image shows a pink and white campervan with a Pride flag stuck onto the window. A darker-skinned man is driving the campervan; a pale-skinned man is sat behind him. The second picture is a tactile picture of Elmer the Patchwork Elephant, an elephant whose patchwork body has lots of different colours.]

The numbers behind our volunteers are extraordinary, and we want to share them.150 active volunteers. 12,000 hours donat...
03/06/2026

The numbers behind our volunteers are extraordinary, and we want to share them.

150 active volunteers. 12,000 hours donated in 2025. 728 books delivered in 2025. Over 5,000 children with visual impairments supported.

Behind every one of these numbers is a real person giving their time because they believe everyone deserves access to art, books, and culture.

This is what volunteering looks like.

Sign up for our newsletter for more impact updates: www.livingpaintings.org



[Image description: Infographics depicting the following statistics - 12,000 hours donated in 2025, 150 active volunteers, 728 books delivered in 2025 and 5,000+ children with visual impairments supported.]

Meet Stevie, one of our brilliant volunteers who has been with Living Paintings for over 10 years.ā€œWhen I was growing up...
02/06/2026

Meet Stevie, one of our brilliant volunteers who has been with Living Paintings for over 10 years.

ā€œWhen I was growing up, I had a next-door neighbour who was blind. And I learnt from watching him how very important the sense of touch is to those who canā€™t see. So, when I found out about Living Paintings, I was delighted to be involved because I understand the difference it makes.ā€

Stories like Stevieā€™s remind us every day why we do what we do.

Do you know someone who'd love to volunteer? Send them our way by sharing this post so more people can hear Stevieā€™s story.



[Image description: A series of images of Stevie, an older woman with blonde hair. They show her painting a tactile page, sorting paints, and holding up a painted tactile page and smiling.]

It's Volunteers' Week 2026, and we couldn't be more excited to celebrate the 150+ incredible people who make Living Pain...
01/06/2026

It's Volunteers' Week 2026, and we couldn't be more excited to celebrate the 150+ incredible people who make Living Paintings possible!

This week is dedicated entirely to our volunteers. Whether itā€™s been 10 years or 10 weeks, their time, skills, and kindness change lives every single day.

All week long, we'll be sharing volunteer stories, behind-the-scenes content, and some very special thank-youā€™s. Stay tuned!

Want to stay close to our work year-round? Sign up for our newsletter and never miss a moment: www.livingpaintings.org



[Image description: a collage of four happy, smiling volunteers.]

Address

Kingsclere Park Unit 8
Kingsclere
RG204SW

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

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+441635299771

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