Leicester Guild of Cripples

An historical artefact showing the pioneering work of the Leicester based disability charity now known as mosaic.

Beginning with a 'motor picnic' convoy departing from the guild's headquarters on Colton Street in Leicester, this amateur film takes us back to a very different world for disabled people. Antiquated spinal carriages and wicker bath chairs are to the fore as people with disabilities are assisted by carers from the Leicester Guild of the Crippled while wealthy patrons look on; content with their generosity. A truly fascinating film.

The Leicester Guild of the Crippled's Colton Street headquarters and its holiday home at Cropston, which features in the film, were sold by the charity in the 1990s when their modernisation proved uneconomic. Mosaic continues to thrive from a new base at Oak Spinney Park in Leicester. Sir Frank Benson (1858-1938), who features, was a theatre manager who ran a touring Shakespearian company.