COLD WAR, HOT SCIENCE
(Temporary exhibition at the Science Museum, London, curated in collaboration with Sarah Angliss 1999) |
A small exhibition at the Science
Museum to celebrate the publication of a book of the same name about DERA’s postwar
military research. The museum had acquired the collection of RAF Farnborough
research establishment a few years before and this formed the basis of our exhibition.
There were so many extraordinary and bizarre objects we were spoilt for choice. This page
shows a tiny selection.
Many of the exhibit labels, written by Sarah, are on the mongrelmedia
website.
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Vulcan bomber, bomb bay control unit, c1956
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General view of exhibition
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Wooden model of proposed supersonic
aircraft, c1951
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Head of a water filled rubber dummy, used
for testing ejector seats underwater
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Reactor vessel from Porton Down for mixing Marburg virus
and other category 4 diseases
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At top, a model of a cluster bomb,
with photo of the bomblets being released.
At bottom, a model missile with chequer markings( to show its spin speed on high speed
film).
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In addition to the objects, there was the establishment’s albums of photos and press
cuttings. These were very atmospheric, and often entertaining to read.
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