The exhibition and book result from a Sciart collaboration between Deborah Padfield (artist), Dr Charles Pither (pain specialist) and patients from INPUT pain management unit. The artist worked with chronic pain sufferers to create photographs which expressed their pain in a visual medium. Sufferers took a selection of the images produced to subsequent consultations with Dr Pither and other health professionals to see if they could act as stimuli for a mutually beneficial dialogue between doctor and patient.

Perceptions of Pain, designed & curated by Elaine McLaren and funded by Guy’s & St Thomas’ Charitable Foundation, has recently been shown in London at the Sheridan Russell Gallery, St Thomas’ Hospital, Guy’s Hospital and the Royal College of Physicians, and with the support of Novartis, travelled to Basel where it was shown at Novartis’ Headquarters, Switzerland. Having received much acclaim from the medical profession, the press, pain sufferers and the general public alike, it began a national tour in the autumn of 2003, funded by the Arts Council of England.

Future research continues in collaboration with Dr Frances Cole and the Bradford Pain Rehabilitation Services. For details of dates and associated seminars/talks please look under the section headed, The Gallery.