New exhibit at the University Library in Solna – The Fragility of Life
The Hagströmer Library's former exhibit, The Fragility of Life – 500 Years of Knowledge about Foetuses and Childbirth, is getting a new lease on life at the KI University Library in Solna.
At the Hagströmer Library
The foundation for the University Library’s exhibit was laid at the Hagströmer Library, where books from the collection of the History of Medicine and Cultural Heritage (MHK) were displayed together with historical medical objects for the first time. An additional collection of books and historical medical objects from the Department of Women's and Children's Health at KI was also part of the exhibit. The exhibit traced the history of obstetrics and embryology over the centuries.
The exhibit at the Hagströmer Library contained books and objects spread over two floors with bookshelves along the walls, high ceilings and brass chandeliers.
"Such a beautiful environment naturally influences how visitors experience the exhibition,” says Anna Lantz, curator at MHK.
A new life at KIB
When the exhibit at the Hagströmer Library was taken down earlier this autumn, a small part was reworked into a new exhibit at the University library (KIB). A team from MHK and KIB have collaborated to produce the new, smaller version.
"It is exciting and fun to expand the exhibition concept from the Hagströmer Library to other places and continue to tell the stories and show all the wonderful things there are to see there to visitors" says Ann Gustavsson, curator at MHK, who has been part of the team.
The University Library exhibit
The exhibit at the University Library (KIB) will consist of two display stands containing books and historical medical objects. The display stands will be complemented by two films and audio guides. Gabriella Ekman, PhD in Literary Studies and writing instructor at KIB, has written the audioguides. The audioguides are intended to give visitors the opportunity to learn about the stories behind the objects.
– "Writing these audio guides has been a wonderfully fun and exciting experience. I've been able to immerse myself in a fascinating era in women's and medical history and have then had the opportunity to transform what I have learned into stories," says Gabriella Ekman, KIB.
Through the films and audio guides, the exhibition will also gain a digital life on KIB’s website. The two films highlight key objects and books from the original exhibit. Gabriella Ekman, KIB, generated the ideas and wrote the scripts for both films, while Joakim Jedholt, KIB, was responsible for filming and editing. In the films, we meet Anna Lantz, MHK, who expertly guides us through key developments in medical history.
Looking forward to future collaborations
The team hopes that the project will be the start of something bigger. On Wednesday, November 26, the new version of the exhibition will open at the University Library in Solna.
"There is so much that could be done to bring medical history and the Hagströmer Library collections to life for KI students, KI staff and the general public," says Gabriella Ekman, KIB.
Anna Lantz agrees. "I would love to continue collaborating on similar projects. MHK has so much exciting material that needs attention. Together, we can achieve a lot."