The Institute of Sexology

Interesting but slightly disappointing exhibition at the Wellcome Collection looking at the history of the scientific study of sex.

I say disappointing because I had really looked forward to it as the adverts had been great and I knew about the erotica collection at the Wellcome but the exhibition seemed to wander a bit and have two distinct halves which were not really joined together well.

The first section, which might have made more sense if I’d gone in through the correct door (better directions please!) focused on the Wellcome Collection and was fascinating. It looked at first gender reassignment, early sex  aids, gay and lesbian life through the ages and much more. However it all felt a bit random.

The second section looked at the history of the scientific study of sex starting with Freud and Stopes  and working through to current studies. It covered Kinsey, Masters and Johnson who were the study of a wonderful recent TV series and much more. It was really sweet to see original drawings for the Joy of Sex book.

I also have a gripe about a rather loud video that was being shown in the later section of interviews with American collect students. The sound dominated the whole room! At first I thought there was a group of students in but once it began repeating itself it got very annoying. Other films were shown with earphones so it wasn’t clear why this one had the sound on or why it had to be so loud.

Review
Times
Independent
Evening Standard

 

 

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