'Homeless Vehicle'

'Homeless Vehicle' (1988-93) by Krzysztof Wodiczko. Photographer: Blaise Adilon. Courtesy of Galerie Lelong, New York. From Exhibition on Sleep and Dreaming at Wellcome Building, Euston Rd, London

I was very struck by this exhibit at the recent show. Not sure if this is a serious proposal or some sort of p***take. American homeless may make greater use of shopping trolleys in which to wheel around their lives. This delux version has a telescoping chamber in which one could stretch out in a sleeping bag. The whole could be padlocked to a convenient lampost for extra security. Not sure what the Brits would make of this - although we are reknowned for our love affair with the shop trolley.

Manic & Taurus

I've been back in Oxford for nearly two years now, after just over a decade's meanderig round this island. One thing that regularly upsets me is the 'attitude' and abuse directed to the many people who, in various ways, attempt to make the lives of the homeless in this city more bearable. I find it pathetic that those with little or no knowlege of provisions for the homeless in other parts of Britain slag off the facilities here. On more than one occasion I've felt obliged to advise folks to f**k off and travel so that they can compare the (admittedly less than perfect) hostels and soup-runs in the city of dreaming spires (or screaming choirs on May morning) with those in other parts of this green and pleasant land.

Birmingham for example has only one hostel place accessable to dog owners. Manchester is the same, and has a specialist police unit who claim to help rough sleepers although this assistance usually involves entrapping and then encarcerating. Dressed in plain clothes they approach their target and make as if to reach into their pocket for change. Should the 'dosser' lift their hand (or sometimes oven their eyes) they will find themselves leant some rather uncomfortable bracelets,accomodated for the night on a wooden bench with thin blue foam mat, and delivered to court. Follow-up care involves being booted out and advised not to be seen on the streets of Manchester again.