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An exhibition which closed in the 1970s after a string of visitors hurt themselves, has injured another 23 at its revival show.
Robert Morris's Bodyspacemotionthings event, which includes installations for members of the public to climb all over, was shut just four days after opening nearly 40 years ago after excitable members of the public suffered cuts, bruises and bumps on the obstacle course.
It was relaunched this summer at the Tate Modern with the stringent application of tight health and safety procedures meant to protect people from injury on the see-saw, tightropes and concrete hoops.
But according to records released under the Freedom of Information Act, 23 visitors needed first aid in the artwork's first week.
Pictures: The giant playground at Tate Modern
The patients included a two-year-old girl who was taken to hospital after hitting her head and two boys aged 11 and seven who were taken to hospital with a crushed finger and a grazed forehead.
Others injured suffered a cut leg, a rope burn to the hand, bruised ribs and a bruised shoulder.
The gallery also decided that a rope swing could not be used safely and a ball was placed beneath it to create a “sculptural element” which could be pushed around instead.
Today a Tate spokeswoman said the exhibition had been fully tested before it opened and procedures had been put in place to minimise any dangers.
Visitors were also informed about caring for their personal health and safety before taking part.
“Recreating this installation represents a landmark in the Tate's history of exhibition making,” she added.
Reader views (4)
Art should be dangerous....
- Rebis, london, 13/07/2009 12:07
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I'm sure we'll get a better picture if they also publish the number of people who enjoyed the exhibition and came out with no injury.
- Victoria, London, 13/07/2009 11:34
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How many will sue?
- Jc, London, 13/07/2009 09:05
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Perhaps they could have included an old wheelchair as an exhibit which could have had a practical purpose to cart the participants away.
- Jack Spratt, Richmond, Surrey, 13/07/2009 08:53
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