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Stories

  • Article

Deadly doses and the hardest of hard drugs

The invention of the modern hypodermic syringe meant we could get high – or accidentally die – faster than before. Find out how this medical breakthrough was adapted for deadly uses.

  • Interview

Sniffing glue and Scientology in the DrugScope archive

Academics on hallucinogenics, kids sniffing glue, and Scientologists recruiting drug users keen to kick the habit. Delve into Wellcome’s recently acquired DrugScope archive.

  • Long read

Primodos, paternalism and the fight to be heard

Journalist Florence Wildblood examines the case of Primodos – a conveniently quick but risky hormone pregnancy test that was prescribed in the 1960s and ’70s – and profiles two women at the story’s shocking heart.

  • Podcast

Ecstasy

In the final episode of our podcast, Bidisha takes us on a journey through the highest of highs, from nightclubbing and the ecstasies of religion and drugs to mania.

All stories (20)

Images

  • Drug jar of Lambeth delftware, conventional design of 2 cherubs and cocke-shell. Large jar for holding mithridatum.
  • A two-tone green and blue face with yellow eyes and two red hands shaking and text on either cheek; an advertisement for solidarity in the face of AIDS for drug dependents by the Fundação Portuguesa para o Estudo with the help of the Comissão Nacional de Luta Contra a SIDA. Colour lithograph by Ardecore Design, ca. 1996.
  • Little white people being threatened by huge black spikes representing global threats to the earth anticipated in 2001 (war, poverty, drugs etc.). Colour screenprint by Rajlich Design, 1995.
  • Little white people being threatened by huge black spikes representing global threats to the earth anticipated in 2001 (war, poverty, drugs etc.). Colour screenprint by Rajlich Design, 1995.
  • Control freak! : can't remember to take my HIV drugs, can't get it together to use condoms, can't get a hard on any more, can't make it to work on Mondays, can't pay all my bills... / Camden & Islington Community Health Services NHS Trust ; designed by Eureka! Graphic Design Limited.
  • Control freak! : can't remember to take my HIV drugs, can't get it together to use condoms, can't get a hard on any more, can't make it to work on Mondays, can't pay all my bills... / Camden & Islington Community Health Services NHS Trust ; designed by Eureka! Graphic Design Limited.
  • The side profile of the face of Gladys, a black woman with red lips with speech bubbles containing a conversation with Steve about the use of condoms; advertisement for safe sex by the N.I.A.D. (Nederlands Instituut voor Alcohol en Drugs). Colour lithograph by Laren, Tadberg Design.
  • The side profile of the face of Feroz, a black man with a moustache with speech bubbles containing a conversation with Carlo about the use of condoms; advertisement for safe sex by the N.I.A.D. (Nederlands Instituut voor Alcohol en Drugs). Colour lithograph by Laren, Tadberg Design.
  • The side profile of the face of Brian, a black man with speech bubbles containing a conversation with Radjin about how quick it is to put on condoms; advertisement for safe sex by the N.I.A.D. (Nederlands Instituut voor Alcohol en Drugs). Colour lithograph by Laren, Tadberg Design.
  • An Asian woman in a telephone box listening to the telephone, four symbols of sound or soundness (telephone, exclamation mark with telephone number, condom and syringe); representing support for HIV positive drug-users. Colour lithograph by Photo Co-op, Glover/Huges and Big-Active Ltd. for Mainliners, 1990/1995.
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Catalogue

All works (386)