Skin Exhibition

The Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh is launching a new temporary exhibition titled ‘Skin: A Layered History’, which is well worth a visit if you are in the area.

This exhibition explores the history of skin diagnosis and treatment, including the role which scientific illustrations and wax models played in the development of dermatology.

It will also uncover the history of skin markings – from scars to tattoos as well as skin-related prejudice past and present, in the context of racism, sexism and classism.

Objects in the exhibition include modern artwork by Eliza Bennett, whose work ‘A woman’s work is never done’ uses stitches in her hand to recreate a worn and hard-worked palm. Sculptures by Edinburgh-based artist Jessica Harrison from her series ‘Handheld’ will also be on display - a fascinating collection of miniature furniture made from skin-alike material, which explores the relationship between the exterior and the interior of the body.

The exhibition will also include never before exhibited wax moulages dating from the early 1900s of patients at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh.

There will be a programme of events to accompany the exhibition which will begin with the exhibition launch event on 9th February (https://www.rcpe.ac.uk/heritage/skin-layered-history-exhibition-launch)

More information can be found on their website: https://www.rcpe.ac.uk/skin

This exhibition, which is free to enter, will run from 10th February 2023 until 13th October 2023 at the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh, 11 Queen Street, Edinburgh, EH2 1JQ.