New display at Riverside Museum celebrates the extraordinary life of Dr Gerry Hughes
A new display at Riverside Museum tells the extraordinary story of Dr Gerry Hughes, from a young boy who struggled with basic literacy to becoming the first Deaf sailor to solo circumnavigate the globe.
A Quest and a Legacy explores Dr Hughes’ journey as a teacher, pioneering sailor and advocate for the Deaf community, and the role that education, British Sign Language (BSL), family support and self-belief played in shaping his life.
Sign language is the root of everything I am, and everything I have achieved.
Believed to be the first museum display of its kind in the UK, A Quest and a Legacy has been curated by Dr Hughes alongside members of the Deaf community with BSL at the centre of the visitor experience.
As a deaf person, Dr Hughes has faced discrimination throughout his life. His story explores the barriers he overcame and his determination to fulfil his ambitions, making him a symbol of hope and achievement to the global Deaf community and to anyone who has encountered obstacles in their life.
“Thank you to Riverside Museum for opening the door and raising awareness about deafness and the importance of sign language. This display shows that Glasgow has pride in its deaf community.
Visitors can see objects from different periods in Dr Hughes life, from his school days to his pioneering sailing career.
One of the most personal objects in the display is a copy of Salute to Sir Francis, on which a young Gerry Hughes, wrote: “One day I will sail like Sir Francis.” It marked the beginning of a dream that would culminate in him becoming the first profoundly deaf man to solo circumnavigate the globe via the Five Great Capes.
Alongside these are objects that tell of Dr Hughes determination to become a teacher, including a newspaper article celebrating his graduation after he overcame many challenges on the road to becoming qualified and Scotland’s first Deaf teacher in more than 100 years.
The display has been created by and for Deaf people, with Dr Hughes working alongside members of the community to shape its content. All interpretation is available in BSL through screens, with text captions making the display accessible to hearing visitors too.
A Quest and a Legacy is now open on the first floor of Riverside Museum and is free to enter.