Shocks in store at the V&A

VISITORS to the Victoria and Albert Museum's new British Galleries have found the exhibits electrifying - in more ways than one.

A number have reported receiving minor electric shocks from the interactive computer exhibits.

One visitor who asked not to be named said: "We heard a woman tell the attendant that she kept getting electric shocks from the displays.

"The warder said the gallery had had trouble with static and they were trying to solve it. She seemed to think it was a common problem."

A V&A spokeswoman confirmed some visitors had reported static shocks.

"Apparently it is to do with humidity levels in the new galleries, which have been adjusted," she said.

"We are looking at why some people might pick it up and whether it could be the result of something else. The important thing to say is that it affects incredibly few people and it's not dangerous."

The V& A spent pounds 31million modernising 15 of its galleries to tell the story of British design from the Tudors to the Victorians.

Opened by Prince Charles in November, the new galleries have been praised for providing a unique insight into the "lavish and spectacular" tastes of the British.

Copyright 2002
Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning Company. All rights Reserved.