Doing Time: 175 Years of Winchester Prison

Doing Time – a thought-provoking book and accompanying exhibition supported by Hampshire Cultural Trust shares the stories of the people who live and work at Winchester Prison in their own words and sheds light on 175 years of Winchester Prison history, the harsh prison regimes of the past and today’s focus on education, training and reform.  Prison life is revealed in a series of interviews with staff including Governor James Bourke who in this talk reveals the challenges of supporting prisoners with complex social, mental and physical needs.  The impact of what often can be life-changing education and training, healthcare and counselling is told in the words of prisoners who have turned their lives around at HMP Winchester. The book is written by Liz Kavanagh who spent over six months visiting the prison before, after and during the pandemic when prisoners were almost permanently locked in cells. The exhibition was curated by Leonie Mountney. Photography by award-winning Winchester photographer Javaid Akhtar features throughout, revealing the stark reality of prison life.