Through the Weeping Glass: On the Consolations of Life Everlasting (Limbos & Afterbreezes in the Mütter Museum) is a new work by the American-born, London-based independent filmmakers the Quay Brothers. In the tradition of their prior museum documentaries – The Phantom Museum (2003), on London’s Sir Henry Wellcome Collection, and Inventorium of Traces (2009), on Poland’s Lancut Castle – the Quays return to the city where they began their education in graphic design and film to explore the medical collections of the Mütter Museum, part of The College of Physicians of Philadelphia.

Examining obscure archives, antique volumes, and artefacts, Through the Weeping Glass investigates marvels of pathology and anatomical oddities, finding poetry in the ill-fated true-life stories of the “ossified man” Harry Eastlack and famed Siamese twins Chang and Eng Bunker. This is the first film made by the Quays in the USA. 

Produced by Atelier Koninck QBFZ, Ltd, in collaboration with PRO BONO Films, Through the Weeping Glass was funded through a Philadelphia Exhibitions Initiative grant from The Pew Center for Arts & Heritage.

A film by the Quay Brothers.

Voiceover: Derek Jacobi

Music: Timothy Nelson

Producer: Edward Waisnis

After the screening there will be a post-show discussion with the Quays, Robert Hicks and Ken Arnold.

Speakers: 

The Quay Brothers

Dr Robert Hicks, Director of The Mütter Museum of The College of Physicians of Philadelphia

Dr Ken Arnold, Head of Public Programmes, Wellcome Trust

This event is fully booked. Spaces may become available on the day of the event. You can register for the waiting list 90 minutes before the start of the event in Wellcome Collection.

Part of Clod Ensemble’s Anatomy Season.

The Anatomy Season is a series of conversations, performances and workshops, inspired by the theme of anatomy featuring brilliant artists, anatomists, medics and thinkers.