Frankenstein is a novel that revolves around the creation of life, but, as Victor Frankenstein acknowledges, a comprehensive understanding of life necessitates an exploration of death. The novel's ideas are deeply rooted in the scientific inquiries and discussions prevalent during that era from galvanism and electrical stimulation to natural philosophy and alchemy.
In this talk, Cat Irving, a Human Remains Conservator, will examine Mary Shelley's masterpiece within the historical context of early nineteenth-century medicine, where the utilisation of deceased bodies was prevalent. She will uncover stories involving trembling cadavers, inept surgeons, and the sinister activities of body snatchers. By delving into this context, a richer understanding of Frankenstein and its connections to the medical practices of the time will emerge.
CAT IRVING
Cat Irving has been the Human Remains Conservator for Surgeons’ Hall since 2015 and has been caring for anatomical and pathological museum collections for over twenty years. After a degree in Anatomical Science she began removing brains and sewing up bodies at the Edinburgh City Mortuary. Following training in the care of wet tissue collections at the Royal College of Surgeons of England she worked with the preparations of William Hunter at the Hunterian Museum at Glasgow University. She recently carried out conservation work on the skeleton of nineteenth century serial killer William Burke.
| Ticket | Event time | Cost |
|---|---|---|
|
FROM DEATH TO LIFE:
Includes a delightful gin cocktail
|
19:00 - 21:30 | £12.00 |
Address
Highgate Cemetery West, The Chapel, Swain's Lane, Highgate, N6 6PJ
Nearest Station
Archway (Tube)
1. The ticket holder voluntarily assumes all risks and danger incidental to the event for which the ticket is issued, whether occurring prior, during or after the event. The ticket holder voluntarily agrees that the management, venue, event participants, DesignMyNight WFL Media Ltd and all of their respective agents, officers, directors, owners and employers are expressly released by the ticket holder from any claims arising from such causes.
2. Tickets are issued subject to the rules and regulations of the venue.
3. Please check your tickets, as mistakes cannot always be rectified.
4. Occasionally, events are cancelled or postponed by the promoter, team, performer or venue for a variety of reasons. If the event is cancelled, please contact us for information on receiving a refund from the responsible party. If the event was moved or rescheduled, the venue or promoter may set refund limitations. It is your responsibility to ascertain the date and time of any rearranged event.
5. The venue reserves the right to refuse admission and may on occasion have to conduct security searches to ensure the safety of the patrons.
6. Every effort to admit latecomers will be made at a suitable break in the event, but admission cannot always be guaranteed.
7. We regret that tickets cannot be exchanged or refunded after purchase.
8. Tickets are sold subject to the venue or promoter's right to alter or vary the programme due to events or circumstances beyond its control without being obliged to refund monies or exchange tickets.
9. If this ticket is re-sold or transferred for profit or commercial gain by anyone other than the promoter, venue management, DesignMyNight or one of their authorised sub-agents, it will become voidable and the holder may be
refused entry to or ejected from the venue.
10. The venue may operate a No Smoking Policy.
11. The promoter, venue management and DesignMyNight accept no responsibility for any personal property.
12. The event listed on the purchased ticket is strictly for ticket holders who are over 18 years of age. Identification may be required.