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21 September 2018

Art and science collide in the heart of the capital

London’s newest cultural venue is now open!

A still Threshold by Daniel Regan, a silhouette of a head with fire or lava or the right hand side
Threshold © Daniel Regan

We're delighted to announce that Science Gallery London has opened its doors to the public.

The first of its kind in the UK, the innovative new gallery examines the great challenges of our time and brings to life new research from King’s through the lens of science and art. The gallery is located on Guy's campus in London Bridge, just moments from Borough Market and the Shard.

Science Gallery London does not have a permanent collection. Instead it hosts three themed seasons each year focussing on issues of global significance that are of particular concern to young people.

HOOKED, Science Gallery London
© Alex Lloyd
HOOKED, Science Gallery London © Alex Lloyd

The launch season HOOKED: When Want Becomes Need explores the complex world of addiction and recovery. From gambling to gaming, smartphones to social media, HOOKED questions what makes us vulnerable to addiction and examine underlying factors and routes to recovery. The exhibition invites visitors to explore the latest research and thinking on the subject as well as question their own ideas about the scientific and cultural aspects of this much-debated topic.

Another Day on Earth (Pincushion) 2012 
© Olivia Locher
Another Day on Earth (Pincushion) 2012 © Olivia Locher

Artists, scientists and researchers featured within HOOKED include Blast Theory, Rachel Maclean, Melanie Manchot and King’s academics Dr Sally Marlow and Professor John Marsden from King’s Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience (IoPPN).

"King’s research on addiction has been pivotal in informing the exhibition and events programme for HOOKED. We hope the innovative installations and collaborations within the exhibition will provoke thought and debate in people young and old and inspire them to think about addiction in new ways."

Dr Sally Marlow, Engagement and Impact Fellow at the IOPPN and Curatorial Advisor for HOOKED

Young people, particularly those from the gallery’s neighbouring boroughs of Lambeth and Southwark, are a key audience for Science Gallery London. The gallery’s Young Leaders – 15-25 year olds drawn from these boroughs and King’s College London’s student body – play a crucial role in the gallery’s direction.

Young leader and King’s medical student, Mandeep Singh, says: “Science Gallery London is a space where we can embrace our creativity while exploring the latest scientific thinking and how it connects to society’s most pressing global issues”.

HOOKED, Science Gallery London (Natasha Caruana) 
© Alex Lloyd
HOOKED, Science Gallery London (Natasha Caruana) © Alex Lloyd

Alongside exhibition spaces, Science Gallery London features a state-of-the-art auditorium, a shop and a modern British cafe. As part of the transformation of the site, a renovated historic Georgian courtyard has also been reconceived as a public square. The site was developed by leading architectural practice LTS Architects.

Science Gallery is an award-winning international initiative pioneered by Trinity College Dublin that delivers a dynamic new model for engaging 15-25 year olds with science. Science Gallery London is part of the Global Science Gallery Network, launched in 2012 with the support of founding partner Google.org.

This project has been made possible thanks to generous funding from Shard Funding Limited, in recognition of HH Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the father Emir; Guy’s and St Thomas’ Charity; and the Wellcome Trust.

'HOOKED: When Want Becomes Need' is now open and runs until Sunday 6 January 2019.

 

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