An art gallery in Paris has turned to 'winged' headwear inspired by an ancient Chinese dynasty to ensure its visitors respect coronavirus social distancing rules as they peruse the displays.
Introducing: 'winged' headwear Location: France An art gallery in Paris introduced the unusual hats inspired by an ancient Chinese dynasty to ensure visitors follow social distancing rules while they peruse the displays (SOUNDBITE) (French) MEMBER OF "59 RIVOLI" ARTISTS COLLECTIVE AND CREATOR OF "DECONFINEMENT HATS", DOMINIQUE POUZOL, ASKED ABOUT SONG DYNASTY INSPIRATION, SAYING:"Apparently back in the day, this was already used to prevent officials who wore these hats - also emperors, but officials more commonly - from whispering.
And so, there was already this notion of social distancing, of not getting too close." The whimsical papier-mache headwear has long 'wings' which force people to keep their distance but also put smiles on guest's faces (SOUNDBITE) (French) DIRECTOR OF "59 RIVOLI" ARTISTS COLLECTIVE, GASPARD DELANOE, SAYING:"The role of artists at a time like this is really to be able to create bubbles of imagination and new bubbles of joy.
That means being in tune with what people are aspiring to."
As more public places open across Europe, owners are having to find creative ways to keep guests socially distanced. An art gallery..