Exquisite Bodies: Or the curious and grotesque story of the anatomical model
26 June 2009
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 that combined serious science with an element of fairground horror.
Contrasting the beautiful with the grotesque, the range of models to be shown includes: 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.
Exquisite Bodies: 30 July-18 October 2009
Press preview: Wednesday 29 July, 09.30-13.00. A chance to preview the exhibition and meet the curators (contact Mike Findlay for details).
Venue:
Wellcome Collection, 183 Euston Road, London NW1 2BE
Entry is free, and there is no need to book.
'Exquisite Bodies' will enable visitors to reflect on what these models tell us about Victorian attitudes to anatomical knowledge as well as moral issues surrounding sexual reproduction, contagious diseases and death. The examples on show are derived from collections and museums of the 18th, 19th and early 20th centuries. They range from superbly accurate specimens designed for private didactic use in anatomical theatres to models destined for exhibition in less salubrious parts of town, where displays highlighted the widespread fear of sexually transmitted disease.
Kate Forde, Curator at Wellcome Collection, explains: "'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. 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."
Wellcome Collection can now confirm that 'Exquisite Bodies' will feature approximately 50 objects from collections across the UK and Europe, including:
Department of Physiology Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge:
Surreal 19th- and early 20th-century models made by Adolf Ziegler and his son Friedrich at their studio in Freiburg, Germany. The models were exported worldwide as teaching aids. They disseminated research in the science of embryology, which from the beginning of the 19th century was beginning to dominate as a way of explaining the mysteries of life.
Wellcome Library, London:
Ephemera relating to the 19th-century popular anatomy museum including an 1863 handbook to Dr Joseph Kahn's Museum advertising his collection of models showing the development of the human fetus, life-size dissectible models of the 'Apollo Belvedere' and 'Venus de Medici' and numerous specimens illustrating the 'diseases of imprudence'.
Science Museum, London:
Anatomical ivory models c.1600-1800 and a small anatomical Venus, probably from the workshop of Clemente Susini and Francesco Calenzuoli (1776-1780), which was part of the first great anatomical collection amassed by the Duke of Tuscany and still on display at 'La Specola' (Museo di Storia Naturale dell'Università di Firenze).
Museum Dr Guislain, Ghent, Belgium:
A series of exhibits from the spectacular Roca Collection formed in 1900 in Barcelona's Red Light District. Items range from superbly accurate specimens designed for medical teaching to models destined for circus-going audiences across Europe, from a bearded lady to models of embryological preparations.
Musée de la Médicine, Brussels, Belgium:
A collection formed from 'La Grand Musée de L'Homme' established in Brussels during the late 19th century. Originally, normal anatomy, major operations, childbirth, vaccination and other epidemics were all part of the collection. On display are exhibits illustrating the ravages of syphilis, a disease for which there was no effective cure until the development of penicillin later in the 20th century.
The Gordon Museum, Guy's Hospital:
A selection of extraordinary anatomical and dermatological waxes by the sculptor Joseph Towne, who during the course of his 53 year career made over 1000 models based on real dissections and patients receiving treatment at the hospital.
'Exquisite Bodies' events programme - just announced
A lively programme of events will run alongside the exhibition to explore the main themes in more depth.
Sex: A Victorian mystery
Thursday 24 September, 19.00-20.30
The Victorian era was full of contradictions about sex and sexual health. Join us for an evening of titillation as we consider the attitudes of the time as well the mistruths that history creates.
Speakers include:
Lesley Hall, Senior Archivist, Wellcome Library
Lynda Nead, Professor of History of Art, Film and Visual Media, Birkbeck, University of London
Life Drawing
Friday 2, Saturday 3, Friday 9, Saturday 10 October, 11.00-13.30 and 15.00-17.30
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 as well as 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. The event is in support of the Big Draw.
All events are FREE but must be booked in advance. For further information visit Wellcome Collection or call 020 7611 2222.
Contact
Mike Findlay
Senior Media Officer (Wellcome Collection)
T 020 7611 8612
E
m.findlay@wellcome.ac.uk
Notes for editors
The Wellcome Trust is the largest charity in the UK. It funds innovative biomedical research, in the UK and internationally, spending over £600 million each year to support the brightest scientists with the best ideas. The Wellcome Trust supports public debate about biomedical research and its impact on health and wellbeing.
The Wellcome Trust's former headquarters, the Wellcome Building on London's Euston Road, has been redesigned by Hopkins Architects to become a new £30 million public venue. Free to all, Wellcome Collection explores the connections between medicine, life and art in the past, present and future. The building comprises three galleries, a public events space, the Wellcome Library, a café, a bookshop, conference facilities and a members' club.