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Tate Bodyspacemotionthings show injures 23 people

Ellen Widdup
13.07.09

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.

Bodyspacemotionthings recreated at Tate Modern
Bodyspacemotionthings recreated at Tate Modern injures 23 people
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.

Bodyspacemotionthings recreated at Tate Modern
Original 1970s show, which was closed after just four days
The documents show the gallery's health and safety manager ordered stop blocks and sandbags to reduce risks with the installation.

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)

 Add your view

Art should be dangerous....

- Rebis, london

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

How many will sue?

- Jc, London

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


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