FRANCIS and ANNE
Sir, - We find it supremely ironic that as Elizabeth the Queen Mother was laid to rest after over a week of dignified services that respected her status and dignity, a short distance away from Westminster an unprecedented public display of hideousness, showcasing human remains as "art", was on offer at London's Atlantic Gallery.
Gunther Von Hagens's "Body Worlds" includes such displays as that of a dead young woman and her exposed foetus not far from the remains of a man stripped of his skin but positioned in such a way as to be examining his own skin in hand. This exhibit overlapped the same week that the flag-draped body of the Queen Mother was accorded every mark of respect.
No evidence has been offered to suggest that the bodies put on public display at the Atlantic Gallery were volunteered for such use by either the deceased themselves or their families. Several were apparently acquired, according to written reports, in transactions involving Chinese authorities and Dr Von Hagen.
One can imagine the outcry if the body of the Queen Mother was allowed to be hacked, skinned and put on public display as were the bodies of these men, women and children, denied the dignity of proper burial.
We note that the gallery, which offers special concession rates, will continue with this exhibition until April 19th. It is a pity that it could not have been held over in commemoration of the birthday the following day of someone who would have truly appreciated this effort - Adolf Hitler. - Is muidne,
FRANCIS and ANNE COSTELLO, Belfast 7.