The Huntarian Museum

Continuing with the theme of display of objects but also looking at the seduction/repulsion effect, I visited this museum in Lincoln's Inn Field. It was opposite the John Soans Museum that I visited a few months ago.

John Hunter was a surgeon in the 18^th Century who was a pioneer of the systematic and scientific approach to the study of anatomy. He amassed a collection of specimens giving examples of diseases and deformities including preserved embryos and giant skeletons. It is believed that Hunter obtained the 7’7” skeleton of the giant Charles Byrne, having it delivered to the back of his house by grave robbers. (‘Inside Out London’ BBC Oct.2013) I wonder if his family knew about this? The specimens were collected for study by new surgeons and the furthering of knowledge and understanding. However as was probably the case with 19^th Century visitors, you cannot help but experience a strange shivery thrill of wonder and horror at the same time. This is the clash and jolt experience I would like to create in my work.

The crystal room Huntarian Museum

 

Female Skull. Huntarian Museum

 

This is the skull of a 19th century woman who had a terrible bony tumour growing on her face for the period of 3 years. I presume it finally cut off her airways and killed her.

 The red 'Dymo' label attached to the glass case seems to mock and somehow diminish the skull, putting  it into the category of specimen number 72A.1- divorcing it from the living woman who existed in that skull.

There is close resemblance to this original deformity and the created deformities of both  Lucy and Bart and other one.