Leamington Spa Art Gallery & Museum

Posted August 26th, 2008 by phl.costelloe
Location: 
Royal Pump Rooms
Location: 
The Parade
Location: 
Royal Leamington Spa
Location: 
Warwickshire
Location: 
CV32 4AA
Telephone: 
01926 742700
Museum Website: 
Museum Webpages
Funding Organisation: 
Local Authority
YLM Questionnaire Completed: 
Yes
Comment: 
HR Count: 
8
Iconic HR: 
No
How many human remains are in its collection, and how many of those are of ancient British provenance: 
Fragments of four human skulls; one human vertebra; one Ancient Egyptian bone (possibly a human forearm); two Ancient Egyptian metacarpals or metatarsals.
How many of these human remains are well documented, with clear context of date and place of exhumation?: 
There is no information about provenance.
Where there are human remains in store, is there a history of use?: 
The possible metacarpals or metatarsals have been studied by Angela Tarpey of the University of Warwick.
Where there are human remains in store, is there potential for use, in display, education or scientific analysis?: 
The remains can be used by private or academic researchers upon request. Our displays focus on our art collections and the local history of Leamington Spa.
Does the museum have a disposal policy, and is it including HR with negligible potential in its discussions about disposal?: 
The presumption of the Art Gallery and Museum is against disposal, except for sound curatorial reasons. Decisions to return human remains to country or people of origin would be made on a case by case basis, taking into account all ethical implications.
What sources of information about these human remains are in the public domain and where?: 
Catalogue references for all appear on our online collections database : http://www.lsagmcollections.org.uk. Included is a photograph of the mummy fragment.
Are any of these remains currently on display and in what context?: 
No.
Does the museum hold any iconic HR, i.e. figures of local or national importance, and are these on display?: 
No.