The Wellcome Collection: an extraordinary museum on the history and evolvement of the science of medicine

The Wellcome Collection is an extraordinary museum showcasing medical instruments and curios, and medically-themed artworks, founded on the extensive private collection of pharmaceutical entrepreneur Sir Henry Solomon Wellcome (1853–1936).

The museum, which is free to visit, explores the connection between medicine, life and the arts. It has two permanent exhibitions: Being Human and Medicine Man. Being Human is an interactive gallery which looks at the evolvement of medical knowledge in the 21st century. Medicine Man is a fascinating room which showcases some of the highlights of Wellcome’s collection.

The Wellcome Collection regularly holds thought-provoking exhibitions, workshops and installations. Until 29 August, you can see the fascinating Rooted Beings exhibition which explores our relationship with plants and how they sustain life. Until 16 October, you can peruse the In the Air exhibition which considers how imperative air is to earth, and the ways it can be polluted and the impact this makes. There are currently two installations on show: It Teks Time (until 30 October) features an embroidered textile by Sadé Mica, with excerpts from a diary, provoking thoughts of the array of emotions we encounter. Cleverly woven onto a duvet cover, it evokes a feeling of comfort and security. In The Archive on an Unseen (until 27 November), Christopher Samuel considers the imbalance of representation in medical and social archives, through his own experience.

The Wellcome Collection is located on Euston Road, within close proximity of The British Library should you wish to combine your visits.

Photo credit: © Chrispictures/Shutterstock.com

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