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Bringing the Past to Life: Uncovering the Faces of Anatomy on 3 December 2025

Wednesday 3rd December 2025 7.00-8.00pm *note date change*

This engaging public talk invites you to come face-to-face with the often-forgotten individuals who make up the University of Bristol’s historical Anatomical Collection. Through a unique blend of science, history, and storytelling, we will explore the lives—and now, the faces—of those who have silently shaped our understanding of the human body.
This event will showcase the first facial reconstruction of a historical subject from the collection, a powerful step in a longer-term project that seeks to restore identity and dignity to those whose remains have contributed so significantly to medical education. We’ll also discuss the evolution of body donation, from the anonymous figures of the past to today’s voluntary donors—our modern-day "silent teachers."
Far more than just a scientific process, this work serves as a moving tribute to the many unrecognised individuals whose anatomical contributions underpin generations of medical knowledge. In revealing the face of one such individual, we aim to honour them all—offering not only recognition but remembrance, and inviting the public to reflect on the human stories behind the science.

About our speaker 

Lucy graduated with a BSc (Hons) in Anatomy from the University of Liverpool in 2008, where she developed a deep fascination with head and neck anatomy—especially the human skull. Alongside her scientific studies, she nurtured a lifelong passion for art and illustration, exploring how visual storytelling can communicate complex anatomical ideas.

She went on to complete an MSc in Medical Art at the University of Dundee, combining her interests in science and art. During this time, she honed both classical and modern visualisation techniques, focusing on facial reconstruction, depiction, and public engagement. Lucy also worked as a freelance scientific illustrator, producing artwork for academic publications.

In 2009, Lucy joined the University of Aberdeen as a prosector and anatomy demonstrator, later becoming a lecturer and Licensed Teacher of Anatomy – a role where she worked closely with the body donation programme, collaborating with bequest managers, families, and regulatory bodies including the Scottish Government.

Since 2016, Lucy has been part of the University of Bristol’s School of Anatomy, where she continues to blend her passions for anatomy, history, and art. She teaches across several degree programmes, including the BSc in Applied Anatomy, where she contributes to practical dissection teaching, units specialising in visualisation, and research projects.

Her projects explore historical facial reconstruction, the use of art in anatomical education, and public engagement with anatomy.

Her current research focuses on the School’s historical collections, aiming to uncover the identities and stories of unknown anatomical skeletal subjects. Through detailed anatomical and artistic facial reconstructions, Lucy seeks to honour and memorialise these “silent teachers,” acknowledging their lasting contribution to generations of anatomy students.

 

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Bringing the Past to Life: Uncovering the Faces of Anatomy<span class="ag_event_date"><i class="icon-calendar"></i> on 3 December 2025</span>
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