Skin: A Layered History

10 February 2023 - 13 October 2023

‘Skin: A Layered History’ explored the changing meaning of skin from the 1500s to the present day.

Bringing together artefacts spanning scientific illustrations, early modern rare books, medicines, wax models, prostheses and sculptures, this exhibition uncovered the social, cultural and medical history of skin.

The exhibition was split into four themes. It started by exploring the role of the skin as a boundary – one which might need to be breached to let out the disease trapped within.

It then moved on to uncover the history of skin diagnosis and treatment, including the role which scientific illustrations and wax models played in the development of dermatology. The exhibition then considered the history of skin markings – from scars to tattoos. Finally, the exhibition explored skin-related prejudice past and present, in the context of racism, sexism and classism.