An exhibition on how deep blood runs.

Beneath our skin-deep differences, blood is something that we all share. It flows, but also clots. It gives life, but also spreads disease. And, just as blood binds, it can also seed division.  It provides a unique and valuable perspective on contemporary social relationships due to its powerful symbolism and essential role in healthcare.

Through objects, real-life experiences and a brand-new commission, this limited-time exhibition platforms life-saving procedures that have spanned global and societal boundaries across the decades, and delves deep into the darker role this vital liquid plays in the history of social division the world over. Co-curated with the Hematopolitics project (University of Leeds), Blood takes its inspiration from their pioneering research on the politics of blood donation in Japan and South Korea to offer a new perspective on objects in the Thackray collection.

Weaving these stories together is a newly commissioned installation by artist Gemma Wood – branching out across our gallery space, Vessel explores the importance of connection, mimicking the patterns of blood and vein-like structures and tracing the deeply personal ties that can be created between donor and recipient through blood transfusion:

“I wanted to create a protective space where you could go to think and talk… it feels like you are almost in the space of a body, where you can really feel the blood moving around you. Installation should be something that moves you, changes you, makes you feel different, and that’s what I was aiming for with this womb-like space.”

In partnership with the Hematopolitics project at the University of Leeds, Thackray invites you to explore the complex relationship we all share with blood, and how it flows through medicine, science, culture and society.

About Hematopolitics

Hematopolitics is a research project led by Dr Jieun Kim at the University of Leeds, focusing on blood symbolism, social relationships, and boundary-making in blood banking.

Focusing on Japan and South Korea, where blood has strong symbolic power in relation to kinship, nationhood, and pollution, the Hematopolitics project interrogates how national identity and social relationships are imagined and contested through blood donation.

The Hematopolitics project is currently funded by the UK Arts and Humanities Research Council (2023-25) and the University of Leeds (2021-25) and builds on previous projects funded by the Wellcome Trust (2021-23) and the White Rose University Consortium (2021-23).

About Gemma Wood

Gemma Wood is an artist based near York. Her work specialises in immersive environments, sculpture and interactive installation.

Renowned for boundary-pushing use of light and sound, her previous projects include Light Night Leeds, Selby Abbey, Light Waves Salford Quays, RHS Bridgewater Glow, Light Night Worcester 2024, Light Up Lancaster and Art Waves Festival.