Exhibition Opening: The Sleepers

Scenes of rest have long been a generative motif for women artists, helping them to articulate complex and differing experiences of family, health and work. This exhibition brings together works across a variety of mediums: paintings, prints and textiles, including a collaborative quilt.

Taking its name from one of the three prints on display by wood engraver and painter Gwen Raverat (1885–1957), an artist for whom the sleeping subject became an enduring theme, The Sleepers surveys works by 12 artists to explore why sleeping, dreaming and resting have been depicted by women artists. It also asks us to consider who has access to these vital moments of relief and respite.

For those with disabilities or chronic illnesses, rest can be a complicated and sometimes inaccessible state. This exhibition and its accompanying programme and booklet aims to unpack the differing relationships between women and rest, and consider how they inform our understandings of time, labour and care.

This exhibition was generously supported by East Anglia Art Fund, Cambridge Arts Society and Backstitch Cambridge.

Artists

Joke Amusan, Helen Cammock, Ann Dowker, Tracey Emin, Laura Footes, Bambou Gili, Kate Montgomery, Celia Paul, Jenny Polak & Nancy Willis, Gwen Raverat, Lucy Raverat

Image: Bambou Gili, Legally Stev, 2024. Oil on linen. The Women’s Art Collection. Acquired through the Spirit Now London Acquisition Prize ‘Donation to a Museum’, in partnership with Frieze London 2024. © The artist

Helen Cammock (b. 1970) Can you remember when you last did nothing? 2020 Screenprint on paper, 100 x 150cm Courtesy the artist and Kate MacGarry, London © The artist

Accessibility: The opening will be in the Main Walkway, which is a wide, flat space that is fully wheelchair accessible and on the same level as the College entrance. Once you have passed the Porter's Lodge on your right, continue through to the double doors, which have a button to open to their left.

Please note that our exhibition openings can occasionally be loud with conversation but there are quiet spaces around College that you are welcome to use. There is no music playing at this event.

Upon arrival at the College, please head for the main entrance, the Porters’ Lodge, which has vehicle access and a generous dropping-off space, located on Buckingham Road which is off Huntingdon Road. Wheelchair access is available via a ramp to the right of the door from the dropping-off point to the Porters’ Lodge.

Car Parking: If you are coming by car, parking for up to 70 guests is available in our car park located on Storey’s Way, including two Blue Badge spaces. The route from the car park to the Porters’ Lodge is paved in generally smooth stone, concrete or tiling, with maps and signage along the way to help you find the Main Walkway. At one point there is a slight incline to the main walkway building.

Alternatively, it is possible to be dropped off in front of the Porters’ Lodge, as described above.

Read our Access page to find out more about our spaces. Please get in touch if you have any further queries or requirements: womensart@murrayedwards.cam.ac.uk or call the Porter's Lodge at +44 (0)1223 762100.

Laura Footes (b. 1988)A Healing Dream, 2024 Oil on canvas, 120 x 200 cm (LF43) Images courtesy of Carl Freedman Gallery & the artist. Photography by Ollie Harrop.