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Box of Christmas Crackers

Photographic Negative
1930 (made)
Artist/Maker

X-ray negative showing a box of christmas crackers

Object details

Category
Object type
TitleBox of Christmas Crackers (assigned by artist)
Materials and techniques
Brief description
X-ray negative, St Bartholomew's Hospital X Ray Unit, 'Box of Christmas Crackers' 1930
Physical description
X-ray negative showing a box of christmas crackers
Dimensions
  • Height: 200mm
  • Width: 250mm
Gallery label
Cameraless Photography

Bart’s Hospital X-ray Unit
Box of Christmas Crackers
1930
X-ray negative
20 x 25cm
Museum no. RPS.1237-2018

The capacity of radiographs to reveal objects hidden within objects is playfully explored in this example made by the X-ray unit of London’s venerable St Bartholomew’s (or Bart’s) hospital. It is presumably a test, light festive relief for the radiography staff, deliberately spoiling the traditional surprise of the gift trinkets within the cracker.

The Royal Photographic Society Collection at the V&A, acquired with the generous assistance of the Heritage Lottery Fund and Art Fund
Credit line
The Royal Photographic Society Collection at the V&A, acquired with the generous assistance of the National Lottery Heritage Fund and Art Fund.
Other number
2003-5001/2/24585 - Science Museum Group accession number
Collection
Accession number
RPS.1237-2018

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Record createdFebruary 23, 2018
Record URL
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