Brains in a Dish at Cooper Gallery and Glass Works Digital Space, Barnsley

Maja Lorkowska, Exhibitions Editor
Charlie Murphy, In Search of Self (detail), 2019, UV reactive coloured borosilicate glass, robotic UV lights, 45cm x 35cm Image: Charlie Murphy

15 October 2022 — 14 January 2023 Entrance is free — Visit now

Immerse yourself in large-scale kinetic installations of glass and light opening at Barnsley’s Cooper Gallery and Glass Works Digital Space: Brains in a Dish presents creative responses to dementia research.

The exhibition is the result of seven years of research, engagement and collaboration between artist Charlie Murphy, Professor Selina Wray’s dementia research team at University College London, and electronics engineer Robin Bussell.

Professor Wray uses cutting-edge technology of working with stem cells to investigate the causes of dementia on a cellular level. Brains in a Dish is a captivating visual exploration of the ever-evolving techniques in bioengineering which, quite literally, grow brain cells in a dish.

Sculptor and installation artist Charlie Murphy has created a number of extremely delicate, colourful glass sculptures which come to life with the help of digital tools such as image projections, robotic lasers and body recognition software. The sculptures are inspired by images of the cells and the choice of glass as a medium works to emphasise their intricacy and fragility. Professor Wray points out that while they’re very beautiful objects, their fragility helps us to recognise just how delicate these cells actually are in our brain.

Light play across a new cellular glass sculpture created for Barnsley’s major Brains in a Dish exhibition (October 15th 2022-14 Jan 2023)
Charlie Murphy: Brains in a Dish

 

This creative response to complex dementia research makes it more accessible to audiences of all ages, and allows visitors to learn more about the brain and the processes utilised in the study. Working in the realm of art rather than exclusively science ensures that the team can reach a wider audience from outside of the strictly scientific community, and celebrates the overlap between the two fields.

The exhibition is accompanied by free creative activities for gallery visitors, people living with dementia, local schools and community groups. These include glass blowing, laser programming and cell-decorating workshops, all designed for the participants to gain a deeper understanding of dementia and the ongoing research.

Brains in a Dish promises to be a powerful aesthetic experience that celebrates collaboration and illuminates the depths of scientific study.

15 October 2022 — 14 January 2023 Entrance is free Visit now

Where to go near Brains in a Dish at Cooper Gallery and Glass Works Digital Space, Barnsley

Originally built as the country retreat for the Vavasour family, Wood Hall still remains a place where today's pressures seem an age away. Set down a long private drive Wood Hall is perched high on the hill set amongst 100 acres, with fine views of the surrounding area.Set apart from the distractions of the office, Wood Hall is the ideal spot for business events, or simply some fresh thinking. The 2 AA Rosette Georgian Restaurant at Wood Hall Hotel creates a special atmosphere in which to enjoy a fine dining experience to mark a special occasion or just for the pleasure of it!Unwind in the spa, tone up in the gym, or step out and make the most of the beautiful Yorkshire surroundings. On sunny days you can dine al fresco with a specailly prepared picnic hamper in the Italian Gardens.
Hotel
Wood Hall Hotel

Originally built as the country retreat for the Vavasour family, Wood Hall is set amongst 100 acres, with fine views of the surrounding area.

Gallery
Leeds
Gallery
BLANK_

BLANK_is a Leeds-based gallery, run by the School of Creative Arts at University Centre Leeds. It encompasses a physical exhibition space and a publication that showcases new contemporary visual art…

Chancellors Hotel is a Grade II listed Victorian mansion located in South Manchester surrounded by five acres of beautiful landscaped gardens, in a relaxed, scenic and picturesque setting.
Manchester
Hotel
Chancellors Hotel

Chancellors Hotel is a Grade II listed Victorian mansion located in South Manchester surrounded by five acres of beautiful landscaped gardens, in a relaxed, scenic and picturesque setting.

Kōdo Entrance
City Centre
Restaurant
Kōdo

Kōdo, a secret bar like no other. It is all about discovery. The only way to enter is with a special code, which changes weekly.

MediaCityUK
Café or Coffee Shop
Blanconero

High-level Italian food in Salford Quays, with no less than seven different lasagnas to choose from.

Yoga classes for all levels and aims.
Leeds
Yoga Hero

Yoga Hero offers various classes, including within their studio and online for all levels and all aims.

What's on: Exhibitions

Wolf in Yellowstone
Until
ExhibitionsManchester
Wild at Manchester Museum

Manchester Museum explores the concept of ‘wild’ nature as a means of tackling the climate and biodiversity crisis in a new exhibition.

free entry

Culture Guides

Poet Evan Jones
Literature Events in the North

Some of our favourite leftfield live literature regulars are back with their first events of the year – we’ve picked a weird and wonderful heap we think you’ll love.

Good Fridaze Family Social at Freight Island
Family things to do in the North

As we edge towards spring we take a look at the best events and activities for families, from theatre to festivals, dinosaur adventures to family raves.

NEXT: A Primer on Urban Painting production still
Cinema in the North

Street art, LGBTQ+ History Month, and the first film festivals of the year are amongst our cinema highlights this month.

A painting of a young child being bathed in a sink of a 197s style kitchen. Around the sink are a rubber duck, a bottle of  washing up liquid, a jug, a kettle and a mug.
Exhibitions in the North

Galleries are racing to announce new exhibitions so check out our top picks, from art films and nostalgic paintings to Hockney's collages.

Theatre in Manchester and the North
Theatre in the North

Feminist farce, a magical circus show and Oldham Coliseum return with a brand-new off-site show. All in our latest theatre guide.

FKA TWIGS
Music in the North

Masters of minimalism, leftfield electronica and cutting edge pop. We bring you the lot in our latest live music round up.