19th-Century Murderer's Skin-Bound Book on Display in English Museum
6
Science
April 17, 2025 14:07
suffolk, bury st edmonds - English museum exhibits book bound in murderer's skin from 1827, sparking controversy. Human skin book display raises ethical concerns.
English Museum Exhibits Morbid Discovery
A museum in Suffolk, Moyse’s Hall Museum, showcases a chilling artifact - a book bound in the skin of a 19th-century murderer.
History of the 'Red Barn Murder'
- William Corder's gruesome crime in 1827 involving Maria Marten captivated the public.
- Corder's execution and the macabre binding of his murder account in his skin have been on display since 1933.
Controversy and Ethical Concerns
The decision to exhibit human skin artifacts has stirred debate, with critics like Terry Deary advocating for their destruction.
Antropodermic Bibliopegy in the 19th Century
Human skin bookbinding, known as antropodermic bibliopegy, was not uncommon in the 19th century.
Changing Perspectives on Displaying Human Remains
Recent years have seen a shift in attitudes towards exhibiting human remains, raising questions about ethics and regulations.