Exposition sur la dissection

Doctors, Dissection and Resurrection Men

19 October 2012 – 14 April 2013

In 2006, archaeologists from the Museum of London excavated a burial ground at the Royal London Hospital in Whitechapel. What they found was both extraordinary and unexpected.

The excavation revealed some 262 burials. In the confusing mix of bones was extensive evidence of dissection, autopsy, amputation, bones wired for teaching, and animals dissected for comparative anatomy. 

Dating from a key period – that of the Anatomy Act of 1832 – the discovery is one of the most significant in the UK, offering fresh insight into early 19th century dissection and the trade in dead bodies. Passed amid deep public fear following a notorious case of murder for dissection, this fiercely-debated Act gave the State the right to take ‘unclaimed’ bodies without consent, and remained almost entirely unchanged until the Human Tissue Act of 2004.

Now, 180 years later, you can uncover this intriguing story in Doctors, Dissection and Resurrection Men, a major new exhibition at the Museum of London. Bringing together human and animal remains, exquisite anatomical models and drawings, documents and original artefacts, the exhibition will reveal the intimate relationship between surgeons pushing forward anatomical study and the ‘Resurrection men’ who supplied them; and the shadowy practices prompted by a growing demand for corpses.

You’ll discover the story of Bishop, Williams and May – London’s Burke and Hare – and find out how the excavation findings shed new light on the case of an alleged resurrectionist, who died in prison while his wife protested his innocence. You’ll also pore over unrivalled evidence of surgery and amputation – before anaesthetic – and of dissection, anatomical teaching and students practising their craft. 

As the exhibition draws to a close, you’ll be encouraged to debate the Anatomy Act, reflect on medical ethics and cultural attitudes today, and ask what questions still remain in 2012.

It may leave you asking: who really owns your body?


Tickets

Adult £9

Concession/child (aged 12+) £7

Friends of the Museum FREE

Art Fund members £4.50


Groups of 10 or more people receive a 20% discount when booked in advance on 020 7001 9844.

Flexible family tickets are available at our information desk or on 020 7001 9844.

Entry is FREE for secondary schools and FE/HE groups when booked in advance.

Please note entry is timed so you are advised to pre-book if you are unable to wait for the next available timeslot. Advance booking is also strongly recommended for peak times such as weekends and bank holidays.


Book tickets online (an online booking fee applies) or call 020 7001 9844.


Due to its subject matter, Doctors, Dissection and Resurrection Men is not recommended for children under 12. Please note this exhibition features human skeletal remains.
Expert talks for groups


Why not complement your group's visit to our Doctors, Dissection and Resurrection Men exhibition with a special pre-exhibition talk? Choose from one of our three experts who will each explore a different subject, from how the Museum’s skeletal remains were used to develop the exhibition to the archaeological challenges faced during excavations of the Royal London Hospital.


£9 p/person for groups of 20 or more

£180 flat fee for groups of less than 20 people

Excludes exhibition entry. Subject to availability.

Click here for more information or call 020 7001 9844 to book a group visit and/or talk.






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