We are delighted to welcome the fascinating Dr John Troyer  to speak about his latest research around death, dying and dead bodies and the technologies used to before death, during and after.

Technologies of the Human Corpse

Death and the dead body have never been more alive in the public imagination—not least because of current debates over modern medical technology that is used. This technology is often expressly used to keep human bodies from dying; blurring the boundary between alive and dead. In his talk John Troyer examines the relationship of the dead body with technology, both material and conceptual.  He will share the methods humans use to classify, organize, repurpose, and transform the human corpse. This talk will prompt you to think about death, dying, and dead bodies in radically different ways.

John will take you to the world of the “Happy Death Movement” of the 1970s, the politics of the HIV/ AIDS corpse and the productive potential of the dead body. He will explore the controversial Body Worlds exhibits, the black market in human body parts, and the transformation of historic technologies of the human corpse into “death prevention technologies.”

About our speaker

Dr. John Troyer is the Director of the Centre for Death and Society at the University of Bath. He is a co-founder of the Death Reference Desk website, the Future Cemetery Project and a frequent commentator for the BBC. He grew up in the American Funeral industry.

You can find out more about Dr Troyer by going to his website 

About Arnos Vale Cemetery

Arnos Vale is a registered charity, receiving no regular council or government funding. Now, more than ever, we are relying on your support. Please help by donating here. Thank you.

Practical detail

This talk will be held on Zoom. Once you have registered, a link to the event will be emailed to you, and a reminder link will also be sent 24 hours before. Please contact info@arnosvale.org.uk if you have any issues.