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Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Edinburgh Attends Special Viewing of Landmark Exhibition Celebrating 70 Years of The Mouth and Foot Painting Artists

16th April 2026

Yesterday, the Association of Mouth and Foot Painting Artists (MFPA) was honoured to welcome Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Edinburgh, to a special viewing of the landmark exhibition “Defying Limits, Defining Art: 70 Years of the Mouth and Foot Painting Artists” at The Lindley Hall, Royal Horticultural Halls, London. The exhibition invites the public to witness how art bridges borders, empowers individuals, and inspires communities worldwide.

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Her Royal Highness arriving at the exhibition

The exhibition features works from artists spanning over 33 countries, with each artwork standing as a testament to creativity without limitation. From landscapes and portraits to contemporary and abstract compositions, the collection reflected the diversity and shared humanity of the artists’ experiences.

Founded in 1956 by pioneering German artist Erich Stegmann, the Association of Mouth and Foot Painting Artists is a social impact enterprise and cooperative of 720 artists in 71 countries around the world. Celebrating its landmark 70th anniversary in 2026, the Association supports artists with severe disabilities — whether due to birth defects, accident, or illness — who earn their living by painting by mouth or foot. What began as a small collective of disabled artists evolved into a global movement united by the belief that art transcends physical limitations and connects people across cultures.

Tom Yendell OBE, UK Board Member, Association of Mouth and Foot Painting Artists, said:
“This exhibition is both a celebration and a reflection. For seventy years, our artists have challenged perceptions of disability and redefined what it means to create. We were deeply honoured that HRH The Duchess of Edinburgh attended and recognised the achievements of our global artistic community.”

Alison Lapper MBE, Association of Mouth and Foot Painting Artists, added:
“Being part of the MFPA has given me a global community of artists who understand both the challenges and the beauty of creating without limits. I was proud to stand alongside them — and to welcome this recognition of what disability does not take away: creativity, strength, and the power of expression.”

Exhibition Details
Title: Defying Limits, Defining Art: 70 Years of the Mouth and Foot Painting Artists
Venue: The Lindley Hall, Royal Horticultural Halls, 80 Vincent Square, London SW1P 2PB
Dates: 15–18 April 2026
Opening Hours: 10am–5pm
Admission: Free

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Her Royal Highness meeting Bazza West
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Her Royal Highness talking with Rosie Moriarty-Simmonds OBE
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Her Royal Highness with Tom Yendell OBE
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Her Royal Highness with Alison Lapper MBE
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Her Royal Highness chatting with Rob Trent and Keith Jansz
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Her Royal Highness unveiling her portrait by mouth painter Sarah Jane Parsons
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