A CONTROVERSIAL exhibition which features preserved corpses with their insides exposed is coming to Manchester.
Dr Gunther von Hagens' Body Worlds is a travelling showcase of preserved cadavers and body parts that are prepared using plastination - a special technique that reveals the network of muscles, tendons and vessels in the body.
Dr von Hagens first exhibited in London in 2002 - when parents of dead children whose organs were retained without consent at Alder Hey hospital condemned the show as `tasteless and insensitive'.
Critics have accused Dr von Hagens of being a `ghoul' who robs the dead of their dignity, using corpses without consent, and criticised for the graphic nature of his work.
But supporters say Dr von Hagens' work advances anatomical science and highlights health issues, as well as having artistic worth.
Exhibits include a reclining pregnant woman with her unborn baby exposed, a man carrying his own skin, and a smoker with a damaged lung.
The Manchester Science and Industry Museum event, on February 22, will be the world debut of Body Worlds 4, the `latest and most technically refined collection' from Dr von Hagens.
The show is expected to re-ignite the debate about its value, as it features 200 body parts and 20 bodies, highlighting the effect of obesity, smoking and heart problems.
Museum director Dr Ian Griffin said: "This is a unique insight into the beauty and complexity of the body and a chance to experience the impact of poor health and lifestyle choices.
"Body Worlds 4 is a fantastic way to encourage people to change their lifestyles. as it clearly demonstrates the effects of health problems such as obesity and heart disease, which are widespread in Britain, particularly in large cities such as Manchester."
The show will feature a programme of lectures and workshops which will explore healthy living, anatomy and the ethics of the displays.
Dr von Hagens, a former researcher at the University of Heidelberg's anatomy and pathology department, invented plastination in 1977, in a bid to improve the education of medical students.
Body Worlds 4 tickets go on sale today, call 0871 231 0847 or visit
www.mosi.org.uk
What do you think of his work? Have your say.
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Showing comments 1 to 17 and replies | View All
Barry C (07/12/2007 at 09:17)
It's not for everyone but don't condemn it based on the views of people who haven't seen it.
All of the people involved gave consent before they died.
marc (07/12/2007 at 09:24)
Randolph (07/12/2007 at 10:08)
Even the baby in it's mother's womb?
Not much dignity there...
The Truth Is, Manchester (07/12/2007 at 10:13)
Daisy (07/12/2007 at 11:03)
Barry C (07/12/2007 at 11:18)
Bodies have been preserved for centuries, this is just a different method.
Informed consent for foetuses is given by the parent.
mancwhite (07/12/2007 at 11:34)
If people like Von Hagen didnt do what they do, we would still be treating sick people like our ancient ancestors did. Grow up and be grateful for this man and his ilk
shysmiler75 (07/12/2007 at 12:56)
Sarah Kilgour (07/12/2007 at 12:56)
marc (07/12/2007 at 13:14)
hyuk hyuk
daisy, do you go by another name? lisa perhaps?
Sale Sandi (07/12/2007 at 13:21)
Little Mark (07/12/2007 at 13:21)
I've read loads about Bodyworlds and watched all of Gunther Von Hagens' TV shows. It is a bit grim, but once you get over that it's utterly fascinating! I know exactly what the inside of the body looks like now, how else would I have been able to see that in such detail?
Regarding Randolph's comment, I'd say that nobody feels more deeply about an unborn child than its mother. If the mother has given consent for her child's body to be used for medical and scientific development then surely we should respect that. After all, isn't it the relatives who decide if a person's life support should be switched off?
Scientific research has always caused controversy, but how can we hope to move forwards without ruffling a few people's feathers?
Guten Tag (07/12/2007 at 13:24)
Pippa, Manchester (08/12/2007 at 12:12)
From the comments of others it sounds both fascinating and educational and I will definitely be going to see it.
Blue Ape With A Drum (09/12/2007 at 15:11)
frosty1 (10/12/2007 at 14:32)
This is a fantastic opportunity for many different people, from students to those who are simply curious, how can this be a bad thing!
JohnnyM (10/12/2007 at 18:10)