Image
The gloved hand of an archaeologist inspecting a skull.
Sat 3 May 2025
Thackray Insights: Left for Dead
Discussion
Museum
Talk
Event organiser:
Thackray Museum of Medicine

Taking place across our Autumn/Winter season, Thackray Insights invites you to delve deep into eye­ opening topics and explore the unheard stories of medicine.

‘To understand the causes of life, we must first have recourse to death’ – Frankenstein, Mary Shelley

Human remains have for centuries been key to the way we have understood our own anatomy. Used for dissection and research in disease, they are often housed in museum collections the world over. Remains also have the power to tell us about the person they once were and unpack the stories of the world in which they lived.

Join our panel of experts for a lively discussion surrounding the history of human remains, how they have broadened our medical and historical understanding, and the ethical arguments surrounding their collection and display.

This event is an Insights Panel Debate – grab a coffee and join the discussion as we quiz a group of experts.

About the Speakers
Dr Richard Bellis is Associate Lecturer in Medical Humanities (University of St Andrews). His research focuses on the history of human remains in medical research.

Dr Katherine Rawling is a historian of medicine and visual culture, and a Lecturer in 19th century British History (University of Leeds).

Cat Irving has been caring for anatomical and pathological museum collections for over 20 years and is currently the Human Remains Conservator for Surgeons’ Hall.

    Date
    Sat 3 May 2025
    Show all dates/times
    Sat 3 May 2025
    10:30 am

    Ticket price

    £
    10
    Box Office
    0113 244 4343

    Interested in attending multiple events in the season? Add three or more Insights events into your basket for a 20% discount on your overall purchase at checkout.

    We also offer a select number of free Insights tickets for students studying A-Level or above – email groups@thackraymuseum.org to find out more.

    Accessibility

    Access to the museum

    We want everyone to enjoy the museum. It is fully wheelchair and buggy accessible, entry is free for essential companions, and we welcome assistance dogs (and our team are more than happy to arrange a bowl of water for hard-working thirsty dogs – please just ask).

    The museum offers quiet openings on the last Sunday of each month from 10am–11am when the lights will be up and the sounds down.  You can download a copy of our gallery map, which includes some sensory information and other details here.

    You can find more accessibility information by visiting our guide hosted on
    Visit Britain’s website.

    You can also download the PDF version of the guide.

    Audio Described
    Baby changing facilities
    Wheelchair access

    Thackray Museum of Medicine

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