exhibition

Sleeping & Dreaming

Artists Jane Gifford, Laura Ford, Catherine Yass

29.Nov.07 - 09.Mar.08
Tue, Wed 10-6, Thu 10-10, Fri-Sat 10-6, Sun 11-6
£ free advance

Wellcome Collection
183 Euston Road
London NW1 2BE
T +44 (0)20 7611 2222
info@wellcomecollection.org
www.wellcomecollection.org
Tube Euston, Euston Square, Warren Street, Kings Cross, Bloomsbury / Soho

Is a life without sleep possible? Sleeplessness doesn't just result in tiredness; in extreme cases it can even be fatal. Preventing someone from going to sleep is a method of torture that is still used today. Nonetheless, volunteers taking part in experiments and attempts to break records have on occasion succeeded in staying awake for longer than a week.

Among the consequences of fatigue are impaired concentration, memory lapses, irritability and general malaise. Although intensive research has been carried out into its symptoms and effects, insufficient sleep is still the cause of numerous catastrophes and fatal accidents. We seem to find it increasingly difficult to judge our need for sleep correctly. Technology is used to try to minimise the risk posed by drivers who are inattentive or who nod off behind the wheel.

This is the first of a two-part collaboration with The Museum of Man (Deutsches Hygiene-Museum, Dresden).