Pathology and Osteology

With shiny, thrusting new office towers being erected seemingly every week in the City of London and many more streets shrouded in hoardings proudly proclaiming the advent of new monstrous carbuncles, have you ever wondered what happens to the relics and bones found during construction works? Who has claim on them? And what can they tell us about the history and culture of London past?

JELENA BEKVALAC, the Museum of London’s curator of osteology and director of the museum's recent blockbuster 'Doctors, Dissection and Resurrection Men', uncovers the history of London’s skeletal remains.

The display and use of human remains has become a contentious topic over recent years. Since the passing of the Human Tissue Act in 2004 it is illegal for the public to view human remains which are under 100 years old. Some museums are in repatriation discussions with their collections' countries of origin and certain auction houses have been fined for selling body parts. However, medical collections displayed in a historical context in designated museums are still a valuable example of material culture and a wonderful tool for research and education.

Bart's Pathology Museum curator CARLA VALENTINE will give a brief history of human remains display and explain why she thinks these items should be seen.

Tickets £12 including a Hendrick's Gin Cocktail.