September 2006.

New resource for touch tours at Tate  Modern

Tate Modern’s Interpretation and Education Department has commissioned a raised image painting of a major work from its collection, for use on touch tours for blind and visually impaired visitors.

Artist Heather Bowring has used her acclaimed painting technique to produce a touchable copy of Whaam by American pop artist Roy Lichtenstein.

The painting is a reduced scale copy of the original work in which the composition of the painting is rendered in touchable format using textures.  Blind visitors will be able to touch Heather’s copy in the presence of Lichtenstein’s original, on display in the Tate Modern.

Tate Modern is a popular destination for blind and partially sighted visitors, thanks to its established touch tour programme.  As well as touching sculptures from the collection, Tate’s touch tour Guides use handling objects and raised images to interpret those works which cannot be touched, but which form an important part of the collection.

Blind or partially sighted people can book a touch tour by phoning Tate modern on: 020 7401 5114.  Tours are free and take place at your choice of date and time, during regular opening hours.  You are welcome to bring sighted friends or family members on your tour, and guide dogs are welcome.

You could also request a tour by emailing    marcus.horley@tate.org.uk

For further information, please contact :

Marcus Horley Curator of Access Projects tel: 020 7401 5114 or email: marcus.horley@tate.org.uk

Tate Modern

Bankside

London

SE1 9TG