Articulated skeleton of Jeremy Bentham on a steel armature, wrapped in padding and cotton stockingette.
The skeleton is fully articulated with custom-made joints and supports. The bones have been secured in place with lengths of twisted wire, with pin and plate fixings and multi-directional joints to mimic natural human movements. The skelton is mounted on a steel armature which consists of two, vertical rods that run along either side of the spine and end in flat bases that can be bolted to the chair to allow the auto-icon to remain in a seated position. An additional, horizontal rod that is bolted to the pelvis. A central, steel rod runs vertically through the vertebrae of the spine, providing the structure with additional support. The stuffing consists of linen tow, wood wool and straw which was replaced in 1939. A cream, cotton stockinette body stocking was added in 1981 to encase the stuffing, holding it in place. The original metal spike at the neck has been covered in a cardboard cone to protect the waxwork head.
Creator
Dr Southwood Smith, Thomas (1788-12-12 - 1861-12-10)
