A CURRENT exhibition at the Willis Museum and an accompanying book is shedding light on life behind bars at Winchester prison.

The Doing Time exhibition will be in Basingstoke until December 17 and is supported by Hampshire Cultural Trust.

The exhibition and book, both called Doing Time, were written by Liz Kavanagh and Leonie Moutney who spent over six months visiting the prison before, after and during the pandemic when prisoners were almost permanently locked in cells.

It tells the stories of the people who live and work at the county prison and includes the prison’s 175 years of history.

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Liz said: “Each year, 2,000 men pass through Winchester Prison, on remand, awaiting release and serving sentences.

"The Doing Time exhibition and book provides an overview of the many individuals who make up the prison – from teachers and prison officers to the prisoners themselves. Their stories have been written as they have been told - without agenda."

She said that they will reveal the huge challenges that the prison faces operationally as well as the dedication of the people who work there, highlighting the pitfalls of a criminal justice system where reoffending is far too common.

The stories told by prisoners will reveal how debt, drug addiction and lack of family support can all lead to crime.

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Deborah Neubauer, director of community and impact at Hampshire Cultural Trust, said: “Doing Time has provided real insight into what life is like behind the walls in one of Winchester’s most prominent landmarks. The stories that have been shared are both challenging and inspirational.”

The book Doing Time is available to buy for £10 from P & G Wells pgwells.co.uk