Human remains are reminders of our own mortality, as well as the physical remnants of family, friends, adversaries and strangers. In contemporary society and in many different cultures, showing any disrespect for human remains is taboo; but is this only for remains belonging to ‘insiders’ from the same religion, culture, tribe or community? Are those labelled ‘outsiders’ treated differently? At what point does a human body, or body part, become a 'thing' rather than a person? And once this happens, what are the ethical implications of what we do with it?

Speaker: Marek Kohn, author and journalist

This event is FREE. 

Book now to receive an e-ticket.

Bookings are limited to two per person. Any additional bookings will be cancelled.

For blind and partially sighted visitors:
Members of Wellcome Collection’s Visitor Services team have been trained in audio description techniques by VocalEyes. 

Join members of the team from 18.00 for audio descriptions of the ‘mystery object’, the event space and set-up, and descriptions of a small number of relevant objects from our library collections. Please note: there will be no audio description during the event. 

Places for the audio description preceding the event are free but very limited. To book a place or for more information, please email access@wellcomecollection.org or call 020 7611 2222.