(Above) Poster from the Roca collection. Picture © Collection Family Coolen, Antwerp / Museum Dr Guislain, Gent, Belgium
Exhibition: Exquisite Bodies or the curious and grotesque story of the anatomical model, Wellcome Collection, London, July 30 – October 18 2009
Exquisite Bodies, the forthcoming summer exhibition from the Wellcome Collection, is set to explore a strange and almost forgotten chapter in medical history.
Using 50 objects from collections around the world, the exhibition will reveal how anatomical models were used not only to teach but also to titillate the public in Victorian times.
Cyclops. Picture © Collection Family Coolen, Antwerp / Museum Dr Guislain, Gent, Belgium
During the 19th century, museums of anatomical models became popular attractions for Europeans seeking an unusual afternoon's entertainment. In London, Paris, Brussels and Barcelona the public could learn about the inner workings of the body through displays combining serious science with an element of fairground horror.
"Exquisite Bodies brings together a superb variety of anatomical models from collections in the UK and Europe, many of which have never been seen in London before," said Kate Forde, Curator at the Wellcome Collection.
"Produced during an era of scientific rationalism, these strange surrogates illustrate 19th-century interest in empirical knowledge, while at the same time revealing a range of complex beliefs about sex, disease, life and death."
Ivory anatomical model of a pregnant female. Picture © Wellcome Library, London
The models on display range from accurate specimens designed for private didactic use in anatomical theatres to models destined for exhibition in less salubrious parts of town, where displays often highlighted the widespread fear of sexually transmitted diseases.
Some interesting pieces on display include a beautiful anatomical "Venus" with removable internal organs, a bearded lady in wax and a series of graphic, three-dimensional representations of the ravages of syphilis.
Dissection of the Head of a Baby. Picture © Joseph Towne (circa 1827-79). Picture courtesy The Gordon Museum, Kings College London
Exhibition events:
Sex: A Victorian mystery, September 24 2009, 7pm-8.30pm
The Victorian era was full of contradictions about sex and sexual health. Visitors are invited to join then Museum for an evening of titillation as they consider the attitudes of the time as well the mistruths that history creates. Speakers include: Lesley Hall, Senior Archivist, Wellcome Library and Lynda Nead, Professor of History of Art, Film and Visual Media, Birkbeck, University of London
Life Drawing, Friday and Saturdays, October 2-10, 11am-1.30pm and 3pm-5.30pm
The models in Exquisite Bodies propose radically different ways of interpreting the body, as an anatomical machine or the perfect vessel of the soul. This workshop will give you a chance to reconsider the human form and compare the difference between the wax models in the exhibition and the life models in the class. Open to all, from beginners to skilled artists. Materials will be supplied. Event in support of The Big Draw.
All events are free but must be booked in advance. For further information visit the Wellcome Collection website or call 020 7611 2222.
