The Wellcome Collection
Posted December 24th, 2008 by Mike.Fletcher
Location:
183 Euston RoadLocation:
LondonLocation:
NW1 2BETelephone:
+44 (0)20 7611 8888Museum Website:
The Wellcome CollectionMuseum Website:
The Science Museum - YLM entryFunding Organisation:
The Wellcome TrustYLM Questionnaire Completed:
YesHuman Remains Policy:
YesHR Policy Link:
Human Remains policyDisposal Policy:
YesHR On Display:
YesHR Count Pre-Christian:
4How many human remains are in its collection, and how many of those are of ancient British provenance:
The Trust has sent a comprehensive list to HAD of all the human remains in their store, this being also available on the website (see the Human Remains Policy link above). Of the human remains of British provenance, there are only 4 which are preChristian. Most of the human remains are on permanent loan to the Science Museum, London. Information given here is for those currently on display at the Wellcome Collection.
How many of these human remains are well documented, with clear context of date and place of exhumation?:
Further details about the objects can be obtained by searching the appropriate Accession Register, index cards or notebooks, which are held at the Wellcome Library, 183 Euston Road, London, in the Rare Materials Room. The Science Museum may also have further information available.
Where there are human remains in store, is there a history of use?:
The majority of the collection is on permanent loan to the Science Museum who may have better information about this. The Trust is eager to give appropriate public access to the remains in their care, through exhibitions, education projects and scientific research, which is considered on a case-by-case basis.
Does the museum have a disposal policy, and is it including HR with negligible potential in its discussions about disposal?:
Yes. See the Human Remains policy (link above) and in particular Section 2 - De-accessioning.
What sources of information about these human remains are in the public domain and where?:
See the Human Remains policy (link above) where the List of Human Remains can be accessed. Further information is available upon application in the Collection's Rare Materials Room at Wellcome Library, Euston Road, London.
Are any of these remains currently on display and in what context?:
Information about all the human remains currently (Feb 2009) on display have been submitted to HAD and are available on request.
What is your opinion, and that of other Pagans or local community, of this display?:
To date, the museum has had only two queries regarding human remains, and the vast majority of public comments are positive.
Does the museum hold any iconic HR, i.e. figures of local or national importance, and are these on display?:
Yes, a Peruvian mummified male body.
A comprehensive Policy if a little vague at times. As with all other policies it is worded to retain the Trust's control over the Human Remains in its collections.
In the Articles section of HAD's website you can read a review of the exhibition held in the autumn of 2008 at the Wellcome's premises in Euston, London entitled 'Skeletons: London's Buried Bones'.