Condition Report and Description of the Metal Armature
and Skeleton and wax head of the Jeremy Bentham Auto
Icon
James Hales, Collections Conservator
Institute of Archaeology, UCL.
The Jeremy Bentham Auto Icon has been on display in the South Cloisters of
University College London since approximately 1945. During that time it has attracted
visitors from all over the world and has undoubtedly been a part of the lives of the
thousands of UCL staff and students.
The Auto Icon consists of the mortal remains, clothes and wax work head of the
philosopher Jeremy Bentham and exists as a result of his express wish to be
preserved in this way. Bentham’s skeleton is wired together and padded with linen tow
and further supported with stockinet. The form thus created is dressed in Benthams
own clothes. Originally it was intended that Bentham’s own preserved head would be
placed onto the shoulders of the Auto Icon but the preservation process was seen as
unsuccessful and a wax replica was commissioned instead.
The following is an extract from the Last Will and Testament of Jeremy Bentham dated
30th May 1832:
My body I give to my dear friend Doctor Southwood Smith to be disposed of in a manner
hereinafter mentioned, and I direct ... he will take my body under his charge and take the requisite
and appropriate measures for the disposal and preservation of the several parts of my bodily frame
in the manner expressed in the paper annexed to this my will and at the top of which I have written
Auto Icon. The skeleton he will cause to be put together in such a manner as that the whole figure
may be seated in a chair usually occupied by me when living, in the attitude in which I am sitting
when engaged in thought in the course of time employed in writing.
Following the death of Bentham on the 6th of June1832 Dr Southwood Smith duly
carried out his friends instructions. Some years later Southwood Smith described the
process in a letter written to William Munk, dated 14 June 1857:
Jeremy Bentham left by will his body to me for dissection. I was also to deliver a public lecture over
his body to medical students and the public generally. The latter was done at the Webb-street
school; Brougham, James Mill, Grote, and many other disciples of Bentham being present. After
the usual anatomical demonstrations on the body, a skeleton was made of the bones. I endeavoured
to preserve the head untouched, merely drawing away the fluids by placing it under an air pump
over sulphuric acid. By this means the head was rendered as hard as the skulls of the New
Zealanders; but all expression was of course gone. Seeing this would not do for exhibition, I had a
model made in wax by a distinguished French artist taken from David's bust, Pickersgill's picture,
and my own ring. The artist succeeded in producing one of the most admirable likenesses ever seen.
I then had the skeleton stuffed out to fit Bentham's own clothes, and this wax likeness fitted to the
trunk. This figure was placed seated in the chair on which he usually sat; and one hand holding the
walking stick which was his constant companion when he was out, called by him Dapple. The whole
was enclosed in a mahogany case with folding glass doors. When I removed from Finsbury Square
I had no room large enough to hold the case. I therefore gave it to University College, where it now
is…
Following the preparation of the Auto Icon, it resided in Southwood Smiths consulting
rooms until he gave them up in the winter of 1849-1850 at which time the Auto Icon
was offered to University College London. It was accepted and, after a brief stay at a
temporary location, the Auto Icon was moved to UCL.
Background to the Condition Report
In the autumn of 2000 a request was placed with UCL’s College Curator for the
Jeremy Bentham Auto Icon to be loaned to the Ruhrland Museum in Essen, Germany.
It was not the first time such a request had been made and in fact the Auto Icon had
been loaned to the Ruhrland museum in 1992.
Before the loan could be agreed the Auto Icon had to be examined in order to
establish the condition and fragility of its component parts and to asses the feasibility
of loaning such a large and complicated object.
On undertaking the examination signs of insect activity were discovered on Jeremy
Benthams garments. Further investigation showed that the infestation was not just
limited to the textile aspects of the Auto Icon and the remains of five larvae and one
live specimen of Attagenus pellio (carpet beetle) were removed from the hair of the
wax head.
Following this initial investigation the loan to Essen was agreed on the basis that only
the wax head, Benthams cane and his garments would be loaned. A mannequin
would be produced and dressed in Bentham’s clothes to allow the outer appearance
of the Auto Icon to be maintained. The fragile skeleton of Jeremy Bentham would
remain at UCL.
The auto icon was removed from display to allow the textiles to be cleaned and
treated by the Textile Conservation Centre, and for treatment of the wax head to be
undertaken at the Institute of Archaeology. As a result of a decision to take a more
proactive approach towards the care of the Jeremy Bentham Auto Icon it was decided
that while the padded skeleton and armature of the Auto Icon would not be going on
loan a full condition survey was required nonetheless.
Fortuitously, during the following months UCL was contacted by Engels Brothers
Media a production company filming on behalf of the National Geographic Channel.
They were keen to make a program about the Jeremy Bentham Auto Icon and could
provide expertise in portable X-radiography and endoscopy.
Involvement in the program was agreed but filming could not take place until early
2003. Prolonged absence of the Auto Icon during the treatment process was avoided
by redisplaying the “loaned Auto Icon” on its return. This gave the outward
appearance that the Auto icon was back on display while allowing the original wired
skeleton to be fully condition reported in 2003.
In February 2003 a comprehensive investigation of the wired skeleton and preserved
head of Jeremy Bentham was undertaken. Work consisted of endoscopy, high
resolution X-radiography of all major joints plus hands, feet, thorax and head. Analysis
of a hair sample was undertaken and also analysis of one of many unidentified objects
found in the cranium of Benthams preserved head.
The following condition report of the Jeremy Bentham Auto Icon is a combination of
this work and work undertaken within the last three years by the Collections
Conservator.
Condition report (as of 15 February 2003) of the condition of the
wired skeleton and armature of Jeremy Bentham.
As it was not desirable to remove the padding or stockinet support surrounding the
Auto Icon the information required for the purposes of the survey had to be gathered
using endoscopes and X-Radiography. While surface condition of the bones and
armature could not easily be established using these methods the X-radiographs
taken provided valuable information regarding the structural condition of the armature
and the physical integrity of the bone. The endoscopy undertaken was less revealing
but did highlight some important information that would otherwise have remained
undetected.
Wherever possible padding was moved aside so that some assessment of the bone
surface, however limited could be undertaken. The bone that could be seen through
the stockinet and padding appears to have a sound but slightly greasy surface. The
yellow appearance of the bones and the greasiness suggest that the bones were not
sufficiently degreased prior to being included in the auto icon.
This does not however seem to have been detrimental to the condition of the bones in
the long term. The X-radiographs show that bone condition throughout the skeleton is
good, there is only one break (on the right ankle) which has been repaired using the
same methods and materials as for the armature suggesting that it was broken and
repaired during the original preparation process.
A montage of the X-radiographs produced can be seen below and was created in
order to give some appreciation of the Auto Icon as a whole. Areas of the Auto Icon
(such as long bone shafts) that were not X-rayed have been shaded in to give a sense
of continuity.
Description of Armature:
The structural element of the armature is provided centrally and the mounting
mechanism is arranged about two large metal rods which run vertically down either
side of the spine. These two large support rods terminate at the base in flat horizontal
plates which are drilled with holes allowing them to be fixed, through the seat of
Bentham’s trousers and chair, with large bolts. The orientation of the base plates is
such that when the bolts are connected through the chair the auto icon is fixed in a
seated position.
This is the most robust part of the armature and to some extent all other aspects of the
skeleton are attached directly or indirectly to this central element. Parts of the
Skeleton attached directly to the central support rods are limited to the spinal column,
the scapulae/clavicles and the pelvis (see below).
Spinal column
Of the 24 original vertebrae from Bentham’s skeleton 23 are threaded on to a metal
rod via the vertebral foramen. The base of this rod is attached between the uprights as
shown in diagram 1, and as a result of this method of attachment can flex to
accommodate the natural curvature of the spine. The spinal column is indirectly fixed
at the top by the wire used to attach the clavicles to the main supports (shown later).
Intervertebral discs have been replicated using an unidentified substance which
appears to have been used “wet” and then allowed to set in place. This is indicated on
one of the endoscope images (shown below) in which the material can be seen
bulging out from between the vertebrae.
With the exception of the atlas (which is detached) and the first three vertebrae (C2,
C3 and C4) all other bones in the spinal column are further secured with pins. These
vary in length and diameter according to the size of the vertebral bodies being secured
and are inserted downwards at an angle towards the centre of the spine. In each case
the pins pass through the higher vertebra and into the one directly below.
The central support rod has a screw thread at the top end which protrudes from the
shoulders of the auto icon and was originally designed to allow Bentham’s preserved
head to be bolted on to the shoulders of the padded and clothed skeleton. Evidence of
this practice can be observed on the head itself where a small hole surrounded by a
round depression can be seen. This has been created by the created by the washer
and nut originally used to make the head secure.
Clavicles and scapulae
The Clavicles and scapulae have been wired together with thick wire which passes
from one shoulder to another. It is then attached onto the top of the two central
support rods passing in front and behind of the spinal column. The wire has been fixed
in place by twisting it around itself a number of times.
Pelvis
The pelvis is in two parts each bolted onto a horizontal rod near to the base of the
central supports (see diagram 1). The two sides of the pelvis are as expected, no
longer attached at the pubic symphasis but association between the two parts has
been maintained with a wire rod, however this has now snapped. It appears that the
wire rod was also used to deliberately “open” the pelvis allowing it to accommodate
the central support rods and base plates.
Aspects of the Skeleton indirectly attached to the support rods
The rest of the skeleton is held together by a combination of different methods, they
are described below.
Pins and wire
Areas of the skeleton that are not required to move are generally fixed one to another
with pins or with a simple wire “twist loop”. This is created by threading wire through
holes drilled into the bones and then twisting the two ends of the wire together. Both
methods of attachment can be seen on the feet.
Two different thicknesses of wire have been used in different areas of the armature
and it is interesting to note that the thicker wire (used for more robust parts of the
skeleton) was perhaps harder to work with resulting in an untidier finish. Notable
examples are the shoulders and wrists.
Pin and plate joints
Where limited movement is required “pin and plate” joints have been employed. These
fixings consist of small metal plate which is cut into the ends of the bones to be joined
it is then pinned in place. The pins hold the plate in place but allow
limited movement in one plane.
The smallest (and finest) examples are to be seen in the hands but larger
versions of this fixing method are used at the knees, elbows and ankles.
In the case of the knees the plate is folded around the top pin as opposed to the pin
passing through a hole in the plate, this allows for the fixing pins to be orientated at
900 degrees from one another.
Multi-directional Joints
The final type of fixing has been used at the hips and shoulders. While it is difficult to
be certain, it would appear that these fittings have been engineered to enable the
upper arms and legs to move in multiple directions, mimicking the range of movement
of the original joints. The fixing consists of a bolt which fits into a lozenge shaped
terminus, the bolt is not rigidly fixed but can rotate along its axis, a cross piece is fitted
through the “lozenge” and allows movement in a
further plane.
Detailed Condition Assessment
Of the Armature of the Jeremy Bentham Auto Icon
As of 15th February 2003
This document is an accurate record of the condition of the skeletal remains and associated metal armature of
the Jeremy Bentham Auto Icon as of 15 February 2003. It is intended that the document be used with the
associated images of X-Radiographs identified in the right hand column. Areas of damage have been
described (central column) and also numbered. They can be seen highlighted on the relevant images.
Area No.
Description of Damage
Shown on X-ray No.
1
Right Hand. Break in distal end of "pin and plate"
fixing between distal and middle phalanx of index
finger, the pin is however still in situ and the distal
phalanx is still attached to the rest of the skeleton
1
2
Left Hand. Break in proximal end of "chain link"
between middle and proximal phalanx of little
finger. The link is completely broken and the
middle and distal phalanx are detached from the
rest of the skeleton.
3
Left Hand, Broken pin between base of fifth
metacarpal and Hamate.
4
Left Hand. Hand much more loosely attached on
this side (as compared with the right Hand). The
fact that the hand is only attached to the radius
with one loop of wire allows for a lot of movement
(and potentially more damage) in this area.
5
6
Ribs. Broken wire "twist" loop
7
Left Shoulder. Broken bolt shaft between scapula
and top of humerus
Left Shoulder. Wire loop repair to perform task of
broken bolt fixing. This more temporary style of
fixing allows for much more movement in this
area, it is likely that excessive movement of this
joint could break the wire loop.
8
9
10
11
12
Ribs. Broken wire "twist" loop
Ribs. Broken wire "twist" loop
Pelvis. Armature rod snapped in region of pubic
symphysis. Due to the break in this area there is a
likelihood of increased (unintended) movement
placing extra stress on other areas of the
armature. The broken end of the rod could cause
physical damage to the adjacent elements of
skeleton.
Right knee. Broken wire twist loop
Left knee. Armature attaching the patella to the
tibia broken. The patella is know completely
unattached from the rest the of skeleton
13
14
Left ankle. Broken wire loop twist
15
Right ankle. Bone broken medial malleolus
detached and pinned in place with three pins
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
Right ankle. Broken pin
2
3 and 4
4
5
6
7
8 and 9
10
11
Right ankle. Broken wire twist loop
12
Left foot. Broken pin
Left foot. Broken wire "twist" loop
Left foot. Broken wire "twist" loop
13 and 14
Left foot. Broken pin
Left foot. Broken wire "twist" loop
Right foot. Broken wire "twist" loop
15
Condition report (as of 15 February 2003) of the condition of the
wax head of Jeremy Bentham made by Jacques Talrich as part
of the Jeremy Bentham Auto Icon.
General Comments:
On initial investigation it can be seen that dust and dirt have become ingrained into the
surface of the wax giving a patchy and uneven appearance and resulting in a grey
pallor. There are some shiny areas of disfigurement most obviously in the region of
the nose and chin, at first glance these appear to be the result of a sticky substance
on the surface but on closer inspection reveal themselves to be area where the paint
has been removed revealing the glossy wax surface beneath.
There are both minor and major areas of abrasion and also some gouges into the wax
especially in the area directly under the hat. These also reveal the underlying wax.
The hair for the wax head is adhered on to the surface in groups of 30-50 individual
hairs. The hair is soiled, dusty and tangled. One group of hairs has become detached
from the wax head but is held in position by being tangled with adjacent hair groups.
Signs of insect infestation can be found in the hair though notably only in one area at
the back of the head. On further examination of the area three “Woolly bear”
(Anthrenus verbasci) larval cases were found and removed. The back of the head is
considerably less well covered with hair. This could be for a number of reasons.
1) Hair in this area has been lost due to insect attack. While this is a possibility there
are no extensive signs of grazing i.e. bits of shortened hair remaining attached to
the head and no sign of large quantities of hair on the shoulders of Bentham’s
jacket or on the floor of the case.
2) Hair has been lost from this area due to abrasion from the rim of Bentham’s straw
hat. I have noted myself when placing the hat on the head that it fits more snugly
front to back than side to side. It is common to locate the hat by placing the front
rim at the desired level and then adjust it by sliding the back into position. I suspect
that this has caused a considerable amount of abrasion over the years and I am
inclined to feel that this is the reason for the loss of hair in this area.
3) Less hair was originally placed in this area (perhaps because the icon was
designed to be viewed from the front). I feel this is very unlikely, the wax work head
is of extremely high quality and accuracy and it as such it is doubtful that such a
shortcut would have been taken.
The head contains padding material which is soiled and dusty. This padding material
has most likely been incorporated to prevent the metal threaded rod which emerges
from the shoulders of the Auto Icon from damaging the inside of the soft wax head.
On investigation the padding material proved not to show any signs of infestation.
There are three pins pushed into the scalp of the head, which would seem to
correspond to areas adjacent to the hat brim (when in place) and could have been
used to pin the hat in position in the past. If this was the case however one would
expect to see multiple holes in the wax head (as it would be impossible to place the
pins in exactly the same place each time). As there is no evidence of this it is more
likely that the pins are used to secure the padding material (mentioned above) in
place.
Detailed condition assessment
of the waxwork head of the Jeremy Bentham Auto
Icon
As of 15th February 2003
This document is an accurate record (as of 15 February 2003) of the condition of the wax head of Jeremy
Bentham made by Jacques Talrich as part of the Jeremy Bentham Auto Icon. It is intended that the document be
used with the associated images identified in the right hand column. Areas of damage have been described
(central column) and also numbered. They can be seen highlighted on the relevent images.
Area No.
1
Description of Damage
Pin inserted throught the wax "scalp". The shaft of
the pin (as seen from inside the head) is corroding.
Shown on image No.
1,2,3 and 4
2
Area of physical damage (abrasion) causing loss of
the overlying paint surface and exposing the wax
beneath.
1 and 3
3
Area of physical damage (abrasion) causing loss of
the overlying paint surface and exposing the wax
beneath.
1 and 2
4
Second pin inserted through the wax "scalp". The
shaft of the pin (as seen from inside the head) is
corroding.
1 and 2
5
Area of chemical damage (solvent action). The
overlying paint has been removed revealing the
glossy wax surface beneath.
1,2 and 5
6
Area of chemical damage (solvent action). The
overlying paint has been removed revealing the
glossy wax surface beneath.
1,3 and 5
7
Area of chemical damage (solvent action). Some of
the overlying paint has been removed revealing the
glossy wax surface surrounded by areas of partial
removal leading to exposure of the untoned base
colour and a "pink" appearance.
1,2 and 6
8
Area of surface soiling caused by a glossy brown
(previously liquid) deposit on the surface
1 and 7
9
Area of physical damage (abrasion) causing loss of
the overlying paint surface and exposing the wax
beneath.
2 and 6
10
Severe physical damage (abrasion) causing loss of
the overlying paint surface and exposing the wax
beneath.
4
11
Area of hair loss most probably caused by abrasion
when the hat is placed on to the head.
4
12
Severe physical damage (abrasion) causing loss of
the overlying paint surface and exposing the wax
beneath.
4
13
Aproximate position of third pin (obscured beneath
hair). The pin is inserted through the wax "scalp".
The shaft of the pin (as seen from inside the head)
is corroding.
3