Mütter Museum Store

Swallow

2011-02-05T12:34:00.003-05:00

Mary Cappello, author of the book SWALLOW, is giving a talk at the College of Physicians of Philadelphia/Mütter Museum tonight at 6:30. You can purchase the book from our online store here:

Drew Friedman's Sideshow Freaks

2011-02-05T12:33:00.005-05:00

Drew Friedman's Sideshow Freaks is now available from the Mütter Museum Store. Published by Blast Books (publisher of the famous Mütter Museum photography books), with a forward by Penn Jillette.

"Any book that contains six—count 'em, six!—pinheads is my kind of book.Drew Friedman's trademarked propensity to make 'normal' people look a tad freakish with his forensic attention to every wrinkle, wart, and nose hair is turned on its head in this impressive collection. Here, the 'freaks' look back at us as if to say, 'So who's normal?' Friedman's uneasy affection for the 'weirdos' among us comes through in every lovingly drawn portrait." — Bill Griffith, creator of Zippy the Pinhead

Buy the book here!

QÜESTIONS: An Interview with Emily Snedden

2010-12-11T11:04:00.041-05:00

QÜESTIONS: An Interview with Emily Snedden:

Here at the Mütter Museum we are fortunate to have a collection that inspires artists and craftspeople the world over. In our Museum Store we carry some of their creations. From the cute and clever to the genuinely thought-provoking, we are pleased to offer a wide variety of interpretive work. It's a truly symbiotic relationship which benefits both artist and institution.

Since most of these folks are also really interesting people, we thought it would be fun to interview them. Our fourth QÜESTIONS interview features ceramicist, Emily Snedden, who also works at the Mütter Museum. Her beautifully detailed skull ornaments and masks are sought-after items in the museum store.

Now for our QÜESTIONS:

Introduce yourself and tell us a little bit about what you do.
My name is Emily Yates, a.k.a. Emily Snedden of Ma’amamics Ceramic Sculpture. The concept for Ma’amamics was developed during my introduction to ceramics & prominent ceramic artists, which seemed to be lacking in ladies. Changing Ceramics to Ma’amamics was my tongue-in-cheek response to the imbalance in gender. Of course, there are many female ceramic artists leading the pack, but I still love the origin of my understated, youthful rebellion. My work is generally ornate and highly embellished with flowers, keeping the eye moving over many details. I’m able to make ceramic work in my shared studio space within the Associate Artist Program at The Clay Studio in Philadelphia. Other than occasionally living at the studio, I live with my husband & 7 year old step daughter in South Philadelphia.

During much of my time, I work at The Mütter Museum dividing my week between the Collections/Exhibition Department and the Front of House. My favorite days here are when I am able to open drawers in the storage rooms and roam the library stacks to find rows of surprises and treasures. I’m fascinated with tools and although modern medical instruments are designed to be utilitarian and plain, The Mütter houses incredibly beautiful, ornate medical instruments. Design & function in an inspiring marriage.

What do you think motivates your work?
Material is very seductive. I find that clay can have a dialogue with an artist as it is being manipulated; it responds to touch sometimes independently of a person’s intent & offers so much with which to work. It also changes in the kiln: chemical reactions and shrinkage can transform a piece. Ceramic material is full of surprises & really inspires the final product.

If your life was a book, what genre would it be?
Stepmothers have terrible reputations in traditional fairy tales, but I believe there is room for a non-evil (even sweet) step mom in the modernly appropriated fairy tale genre.

What fictional character most resembles you and why?
Although Charlie Brown is not conventionally charming, I find his shy demeanor, avoidance of trends & appreciation for the potential in that sad little Christmas tree to be very endearing.

What non-fictional character most resembles you and why?
I appreciate the grit & determination of Annie Sullivan. She was firm, persistent, and cared about her work, which helped her to brush aside people who doubted her.

What's your poison?
A really delicious glass of milk.

What is the last song you had on repeat?
The Troggs “With a Girl like You”

Name three things that scare you.
Being eaten alive by an underwater sea creature
Loud noises
The other day I saw a baby eating sour cream & onion potato chips for breakfast. It sounds funny now, but at the time it gave me an alarming pause.

In your opinion, what is the greatest invention that has occurred in your lifetime?
The HPV vaccine boasts to be a “cancer vaccine”, which is an incredible concept. Also, I think etsy.com & youtube.com have connected the masses to art, instruction, and each other in a very impressive way.

If you saw a red door, what color would you paint it?
A red door is bold & classic like red lips. I might add some daring hinges, but I can’t imagine covering such a fearless color.

Direct attack or subterfuge?
I appreciate a direct approach.

What's the most rewarding part of your work?
Getting the work out of the studio & into a fresh context. Hanging a piece in a new space brings it to life.

If you could influence human evolution, what do you think a good physical trait would be?
Invincible Teeth.

How about non-physical?
An ability to defuse and eliminate all silly misunderstandings and miscommunications. So much time, energy, and emotion could be conserved!

How did you first learn about the Mütter Museum?
It must have been through my Grandfather’s association with the Fellowship at The College of Physicians of Philadelphia, although we never visited the museum together. One of the last conversations that we shared prior to his death was debating the correct pronunciation of “Mütter.”

What is your favorite specimen?
The stone baby- a fairly developed Ectopic pregnancy, which was mummified inside the mother for decades. I’m amazed by it.

How does the Mütter Museum's collection inspire you?
The collection is very grand and grotesque, and I love that dynamic.

What's next for you?
The Woodmere Art Museum Store will have some of my more wintery ornaments for sale during the holiday season.

Thanks so much to Emily Snedden for taking the time to answer our qüestions.

QÜESTIONS - An Interview with Lisa Wood

2010-10-23T15:36:00.054-04:00

Here at the Mütter Museum we are fortunate to have a collection that inspires artists and craftspeople the world over. In our Museum Store we carry some of their creations. From the cute and clever to the genuinely thought-provoking, we are pleased to offer a wide variety of interpretive work. It's a truly symbiotic relationship which benefits both artist and institution.

Since most of these folks are also really interesting people, we thought it would be fun to interview them. Our third QÜESTIONS interview features Lisa Wood, whose series of mixed media wall art and companion book, "The Swallowing Plates," was inspired in part by the Mütter Museum's Chevalier Jackson cabinet. The book contains full-color photographs of all of the plates in the series and spins semi-fictional narratives to accompany each finely-detailed piece.

Now for our QÜESTIONS:

Introduce yourself and tell us a little bit about what you do.

My name is Lisa Wood and I'm an artist and collector living and working in San Francisco.

I specialize in Victorian arts and crafts and incorporate their sensibilities into shadowboxes that memorialize the dead, surreal dioramas on the hidden world of insects, mourning jewelry that captures the essence of the human spirit and other curiosities that were inspired by what was collected, constructed and treasured at the time. It was an era obsessed with both art and nature, as well as new medical and mechanical technologies that offered some hope for the prevalent perils of early disease and untimely deaths. I guess I'm a Victorian Revivalist Surrealist.

My website is located at lisawoodcuriosities.com

and a more updated site is my facebook page.

What do you think motivates your work?
Nature, odd human behavior, obscure collections and treasures, the marvels of the human body, hidden worlds, medical mysteries and forensic science.

If your life was a book, what genre would it be?
An over-sized picture book with lots of pop ups.

What fictional character most resembles you and why?
A mix between Willy Wonka and Dr. Doolittle....I tend to spend a lot time in my own little world and in this world I can talk to the animals and eat all the chocolate I want!

What non-fictional character most resembles you and why?
A cross between Theodor Geisel (Dr. Suess), Joseph Cornell and Little Edie Beale of Grey Gardens....I'm a bit of an odd wacky reclusive.

What's your poison?
I love fresh drinks made with ginger: spicy ginger ale, ginger beer and the Moscow Mule, which is made with vodka, ginger beer and lime over ice and served in a copper cup.

What is the last song you had on repeat?
A piece called "Disappointment" from the silent film, "The Phantom Carriage" by Matti Bye...a beautifully dark soundtrack.

Name three things that scare you.
Organized religion
The way we treat this planet of ours
Sports bars

In your opinion, what is the greatest invention that has occurred in your lifetime?
I love music and the ipod has changed the way I listen to it. It amazes me that I can carry my entire music collection in my pocket and retrieve a particular song within seconds.

If you saw a red door, what color would you paint it?
Why would anyone want to paint over a red door?

Direct attack or subterfuge?
Subterfuge is much more interesting.

What's the most rewarding part of your work?
When each piece finds someone that loves it as much as I do.

If you could influence human evolution, what do you think a good physical trait would be?
Get rid of the entire digestive system. If there is no need to eat, then can you imagine how many problems would be solved: world hunger, animal cruelty, etc.

How about non-physical?
By sealing off the part of the brain that drives us to want to conquer everyone and everything.

How did you first learn about the Mütter Museum?
I remember reading about the plaster body casts of the famous Siamese twins Chang and Eng years ago... it was an introduction to the entire museum and I have been hooked ever since.

What is your favorite specimen?
The entire Chevalier Jackson Foreign Body Collection, of course!

How does the Mütter's collection inspire you?
It reminds me that anything is possible... what the human body can endure and what the human spirit can achieve.

What's next for you?
My fascinations at the moment are twins and hoarding. I plan on making dioramas of twins that have outrageous collections... we'll see what transpires!

They're back! Gingerbread Men Cookie Cutters

2010-10-09T14:53:00.008-04:00

Ready to cause a ruckus? Just bring some conjoined Gingerbread Men cookies to your next party or office get-together and watch everyone have twice the fun.

Buy yours at the Mütter Museum Store: Gingerbread Men Cookie Cutter

2011 Mütter Museum Calendar now available!

2010-09-04T15:15:00.008-04:00

Go here to purchase.

QÜESTIONS - An Interview with Noah Scalin

2010-08-26T13:36:00.030-04:00

Here at the Mütter Museum we are fortunate to have a collection that inspires artists and craftspeople the world over. In our Museum Store we carry some of their creations. From the cute and clever to the genuinely thought-provoking, we are pleased to offer a wide variety of interpretive work. It's a truly symbiotic relationship which benefits both artist and institution.

Since most of these folks are also really interesting people, we thought it would be fun to interview them. Our second QÜESTIONS interview features artist and graphic designer Noah Scalin. Noah is the creator of the Skull-A-Day project and author of the book SKULLS. Naturally, we carry Noah's book in the Mütter Museum Store, but we also have a small selection of the ACTUAL art pieces created during the famed 365 days of his project.

Noah has visited the Mütter Museum as a guest and also as a speaker during our 2009 Day of the Dead festival. More recently he visited us to complete a special temporary art installation: A skull made entirely of brain slices (the brain slices are a recent addition to the Mütter Museum's collection). See the youtube video of this exciting one-of-a-kind creation here. And watch this insightful interview with Noah by the Mütter Museum's curator, Anna Dhody.

Noah has even written a song inspired by the Mütter Museum. It's called "Enlarged Heart."

Now on to our QÜESTIONS:

Introduce yourself and tell us a little bit about what you do.
I’m an artist, graphic designer, and activist based in Richmond, Virginia.

In 2001 I started the socially conscious design and consulting firm Another Limited Rebellion, which works with wide range of organizations including many theaters in New York City.

I also started the Skull-A-Day project, which began as my personal creative project to make a unique skull image every day for a year and now has now progressed into its fourth year as an international community art project.

What do you think motivates your work?
The knowledge that life is extremely brief and that there are opportunities every day to create unique experiences that can bring some moment of discovery, and hopefully joy, to both myself and the people that encounter my work.

If your life was a book, what genre would it be?
Magical Realism. I like to live life as if anything is possible; and considering some of the strange things that have happened so far, it seems to be working.

What fictional character most resembles you and why?
I’d like to think I’m like Gomez Addams of The Addams family. He has a wonderful joie de vivre, is comfortable being different, is passionate about the things & people he loves (including the darker side of life), and has excellent fashion sense!

That said, I asked my friends what they thought and they said: The Mad Hatter, the Cheshire Cat, Gargamel, Professor Snape, Captain Orlok from my own League of Space Pirates project, and myself! So take that how you will.

What non-fictional character most resembles you and why?
Well in a very literal sense there’s a guy here in Richmond that’s apparently my doppelganger and looks so much like me that even my own father said so. He’s also a graphic designer. I’m considering hiring him to go to events in my place to see if anyone notices.

What's your poison?
Tea, in all its forms. Iced or hot, green or black or white, I just can’t get enough of it.

What is the last song you had on repeat?
I recently discovered the wonderful “My Woman” by Al Bowlly, from 1932, which is the source of the sample used in 1997’s catchy “Your Woman” by White Town.

Name three things that scare you.
– People that prioritize money, stuff, and power over the health & wellbeing of others.
– People that only see things in terms of black & white dichotomies.
– Evil Robots

In your opinion, what is the greatest invention that has occurred in your lifetime?
The internet. I can barely remember how I got anything done without it!

If you saw a red door, what color would you paint it?
Black and white striped. Then you would think something very exciting is behind it, like maybe a pirate.

Direct attack or subterfuge?
I prefer direct subterfuge.

What's the most rewarding part of your work?
Discovering that it has inspired others to be creative! I love finding out that people have made art or created their own daily project because of mine. My current favorite is being done by a friend who is a jeweler; she’s making a reliquary a week!

If you could influence human evolution, what do you think a good physical trait would be?
Fur. Less money spent on clothes and more time getting petted.

How about non-physical?
A greater empathy for the plight of others.

How did you first learn about the Mütter Museum?
I read about and ordered one of the fantastic Mütter calendars shortly after they first came out and became obsessed with the museum.

What is your favorite specimen?
There was a photo of a girl with a condition called “enlarged heart” that was part of a traveling exhibition that came to NYC many years ago that struck such a chord with me that I wrote a song about it.

How does the Mütter's collection inspire you?
The collection is such an incredible peek into of the diversity of the human experience. Just being in the presence of so many amazing things serves as the ultimate life-affirming memento mori. Just talking about it makes me want to get back to making things before my time runs out!

What's next for you?
My next book, 365: A Daily Creativity Journal, is a functional guide to creating your own yearlong project and will be published by Voyageur Press in December!

Wet Specimen Umbrella!

2010-08-16T17:14:00.004-04:00

Go here to purchase!

Cephalothoracopagus Mousepads!

2010-07-25T15:51:00.005-04:00

We now have mousepads featuring a close-up view of one of our most iconic specimens. The Cephalothoracopagus conjoined skeleton mousepad will make even the most boring corporate cubicle look edgy and interesting.

Go here to purchase!

Glitter ü Sticker!

2010-07-05T14:09:00.003-04:00

Get blinded by the light!

Soap Lady on a Rope!

2010-07-01T19:45:00.015-04:00

In the marble halls of The College of Physicians of Philadelphia, there is one subject that has come up over and over again. It has been whispered about behind closed doors, clandestine meetings have taken place, secret notes have been furtively passed, and fingers have been crossed by those who dared to believe... And now -- finally -- IT IS HERE.

An idea whose time has come: Soap Lady Soap!

We have both a smaller hand soap and the much-coveted Soap on a Rope version. Created exclusively for the Mütter Museum by Bubble Genius.

QÜESTIONS - An Interview with Madame Talbot

2010-06-13T11:06:00.039-04:00

Here at the Mütter Museum we are fortunate to have a collection that inspires artists and craftspeople the world over. In our Museum Store we carry some of their creations. From the cute and clever to the genuinely thought-provoking, we are pleased to offer a wide variety of interpretive work. It's a truly symbiotic relationship which benefits both artist and institution.

Since most of these folks are also really interesting people, we thought it would be fun to interview them. It's fitting that our first QÜESTIONS interview should be with Madame Talbot who not only creates incredible medically-inspired one-of-a-kind curios and dolls, but she also created one of our best-selling custom items: the Mütter Museum poster.

QÜESTIONS: An Interview with Madame Talbot:

Introduce yourself and tell us a little bit about what you do.
My name is Ashleigh Talbot. I am known as Madame Talbot of Madame Talbot's Victorian Lowbrow™ and Gothic Lowbrow™

I create One-of-a-Kind Hand-Made Bibelots, Arcane Monstrances, Framed Curios, Mourning Dolls, Dark Objet d'Art and Hand-Illustrated Pen-and-Ink Poster Prints.

I am a reclusive artist and I do not take part in the gallery scene. But I am fortunate that with the Internet I have been able to make a full-time living making and selling my artwork by mail order. I live with my husband and five cats in a 140-year-old haunted house located on the edge of the Oregon Coast.

My main interests are Extreme Crafts, Old School Illustration, Handmade Dolls, Victorian and Gothic History and Strange Medical, Undertakers and Death History.

My website is located at MadameTalbot.com.

I try to post at least once a week on my blog about the projects I am currently working on, which is located at madametalbot.com/34blog.htm.

I also have a Fan Page on Facebook, please come by and say hello!

What do you think motivates your work?
The Fear of Regret.

If your life was a book, what genre would it be?
Victorian/Gothic-Horror with a Medical Nightmare foreword, Undertaker Anatomy footnotes, Gallows Humor Bibliography and a Dedication to Extreme Crafters Everywhere.

What fictional character most resembles you and why?
Victor Frankenstein, the ultimate Extreme Crafter.

What non-fictional character most resembles you and why?
František Rint, the woodcarver who was employed by the Schwarzenberg family to put the human bone heaps of plague victims in a fashionable sort of order at what is known as The Sedlec Ossuary in Sedlec, a suburb of Kutná Hora located in the Czech Republic.

Frederik Ruysch, the Dutch anatomist who made incredible developments in anatomical preservation as well as creating dioramas and scenes incorporating human parts.

What's your poison?
Consumable: Strong coffee with a hint of milk, and chocolate cocoa-dusted Belgian truffles.
Non-consumable: Non-fiction books, specifically topics from the Victorian-era or older.

What is the last song you had on repeat?
Thunder and Rain - a half hour mp3 of just rain and thunder. We don't have much thunder here on the North Coast. www.rainymood.com

Name three things that scare you.
-- Hypodermic Needles.
-- The sudden sight of my own blood flowing from an accidental cut.
-- Bees. While I was asleep a few years ago, I awoke with an angry bee caught in my hair, and in my frantic attempt to get it out, it stung me while I was half asleep. Nothing like waking up to the feeling of a bee sting to the back of your head!

In your opinion, what is the greatest invention that has occurred in your lifetime?
The Mute Button.

If you saw a red door, what color would you paint it?
I would repaint it a lovely shade of . . . red.
A red door on a house brings good luck, prosperity, happiness, good fortune, celebration. Also it is the color that is used to ward off mean ghosts and evil spirits.

Direct attack or subterfuge?
Oh, definitely subterfuge.

What's the most rewarding part of your work?
The last line inked on a poster.

If you could influence human evolution, what do you think a good physical trait would be?
Bring back the tail!

How about non-physical?
To be more compassionate towards animals and the earth, to not be so gullible when it comes to organized religion and politics.

How did you first learn about the Mütter Museum?
I found a copy of Transactions of the College of Physicians of Philadelphia By College of Physicians of Philadelphia, published in 1898. Because of my interest in strange medical anatomy, medicine and apothecary, it was chock full of strange and wonderful discoveries.

What is your favorite specimen?
Cephalothoracopagus monosymmetros

How does the Mütter Museum's collection inspire you?
It makes me want to add more to my own collection. I am almost there :)

What's next for you?
Mostly working on posters, my goal is 12 new posters by the end of this year, all of which I have already started. More Foetal Skull Widow Dolls and of course, more framed curio exhibits, one utilizing a human ribcage and a sleeping vampire bat. After that, I plan to work on my own Tarot deck.

In my spare time, I have been working on what I call my Never-Ending book, something I have been researching for over 8 years now. Most of the topics are based on many of my favorite topics: death, bones, anatomy, medical weirdness and medieval apothecary. I am almost done researching it and now I'm starting the writing.

Thanks so much to Madame Talbot for taking the time to answer our qüestions.

hey, cupcake!

2010-05-10T10:24:00.002-04:00

On a recent trip to Austin, Texas, for the Museum Store Association Conference & Expo, I ran across cupcakes Texas-style. (Actually, this is quintessentially Austin-style -- those of you who know Austin and the rest of Texas will know exactly what I mean.) This gleaming Airstream trailer is parked on a little stretch of dirt alongside South Congress Avenue, one of Austin's hippest haunts. Notice the adorable pink cupcake perched atop the roof. Are those sprinkles? Why, I believe they are, y'all. If you ever find yourself in Austin, just belly on up to the window and choose from a delectable assortment of flavors. I picked the Red Velvet.

Ü Perfume was out... again. Now it's back... YES, AGAIN!

2010-03-22T17:39:00.005-04:00

Ü Perfüme: Created exclusively for the Mütter Museum Store by Black Phoenix Alchemy Lab! Our first THREE shipments sold out instantly, but now we have it once again. Phew!

ALSO!!! We have special shipping rates for those that are ordering the perfume only!

Ü Perfüme

Mütter Bone Throwers T-Shirt is now available!

2010-03-03T12:13:00.008-05:00

Though conventional wisdom might dictate that employees of The College of Physicians of Philadelphia/Mütter Museum should stay far away from sharp objects, we have nonetheless formed a dart team. This t-shirt features the official logo of the College's infamous Mütter Museum Bone Throwers. The logo, designed by Evi Numan, is created entirely of intricately-arranged type elements.

Go here to see and purchase:
Mütter Bone Throwers T-Shirt

Ü Perfume is back -- AGAIN!

2010-03-01T14:31:00.008-05:00

Ü Perfüme: Created exclusively for the Mütter Museum Store by Black Phoenix Alchemy Lab! Our first two shipments sold out instantly, but now the delectable scent is back in stock and can be ordered from our online store.

ALSO!!! We now have special shipping rates for those that are ordering the perfume only!

Ü Perfüme

Thanks once again to all the "BPAListas" who have opened our eyes to a whole new world! It's been exciting to work with Black Phoenix. Is this what they mean by "rabid cult following?" At the Mütter we are well-acquainted with such devotion, but we had no idea that it existed in the mysterious universe of perfumes as well. Consider us enlightened.

Ü Perfume is SOLD OUT once again!

2010-02-04T11:37:00.000-05:00

Watch this space. We will make an announcement when Ü is back in stock.

Thank you,

The Management

Ü Perfüme is back!

2010-01-29T13:35:00.005-05:00

Ü Perfüme: Created exclusively for the Mütter Museum Store by Black Phoenix Alchemy Lab! Our first shipment sold out instantly, but now the delectable scent is back in stock and can be ordered from our online store.

Ü Perfüme

Thanks to all the "BPAListas" who have opened our eyes to a whole new world!

Ü Perfüme SOLD OUT!

2010-01-22T15:45:00.003-05:00

In an unprecedented rush, our Ü Perfüme has sold out. We've never seen anything like it. In fact, we never even got a chance to put the perfüme out on the floor for our museum visitors to purchase. Amazing! We had no idea that Black Phoenix Alchemy Lab had such a devoted following. It's just wonderful! We're working to get more perfüme for you shortly, and this time we'll be better prepared. We will update this blog as soon as the perfümes are back in stock.

We thank Ü for your patience.

- Marie Fury
Mütter Museum Store Manger

"G" stands for Gingerbreadmens

2009-12-08T10:31:00.006-05:00

Yes, it's true: A conjoined Gingerbread Men cookie cutter. A Mütter Museum exclusive. And once they're all baked and decorated, they'll be perfect for splitting in half and sharing with a friend!

Buy yours at the Mütter Museum Store: Gingerbread Men Cookie Cutter

A Very Special Offer Just In Time For The Holidays!

2009-11-24T16:26:00.004-05:00

Now you can choose two Blast Books titles and get the Mütter Museum 2010 calendar all for only $95.00. A perfect holiday gift for yourself or a friend.

Go here to purchase:
Mütter Museum/Blast Books Special Offer

New Giant Microbes!

2009-11-17T17:10:00.008-05:00

Awwww yeeeahh! Introducing three new guys: Platelet, Neuron, and right behind them in the picture, the truly ominous Bird Flu. What could be better to stuff in a stocking?

Buy yours at the Mütter Museum Store: New Microbes

The Anatomy Murders

2009-11-15T13:05:00.006-05:00

Attendees all seemed to agree that Friday the 13th was an appropriate evening to hold the lecture and book signing by Lisa Rosner, author of "The Anatomy Murders." Speaking to a full house at The College of Physicians of Philadelphia, Rosner discussed several persistent mythologies associated with the story of Burke and Hare. Those who missed the lecture can still purchase the book at the Mütter Museum Store.

Go here to buy the book:
The Anatomy Murders

THE GIRL WITH A CROOKED NOSE

2009-11-08T10:36:00.007-05:00

The College of Physicians of Philadelphia, the F.C. Wood Institute for the History of Medicine and the Mütter Museum recently hosted Frank Bender and Ted Botha for a lecture and book signing. In his riveting book, "The Girl with a Crooked Nose," Ted Botha tells the story of Frank Bender, renowned artist and self-taught forensic sculptor. With only skeletal remains for reference, Frank Bender recovers the features of the deceased with uncanny accuracy and intuitive artistic mastery. His reconstructions have allowed law enforcement to make proper identifications, bringing closure to the families and friends of victims and leading to the capture and conviction of the murderers. Mr. Bender has worked closely with the Philadelphia Police Department, FBI, Scotland Yard and Mexican and Egyptian governments, and has been instrumental in solving at least nine "cold-case" murders. He has also assisted with numerous other anthropological and criminal investigations, including traveling to Mexico to uncover the identities of "feminicidios" in Juárez. Mr. Bender also has a career as a fine artist, and works in a variety of media including watercolors, pastels, photography and public monuments. The evening at The College of Physicians, which included a Q & A session between author and subject, was by all accounts fascinating, illuminating and inspiring. Those who missed it can still see Mr. Bender and Mr. Botha interviewed by Dr. Robert Hicks, the Director of the Mütter Museum & Historical Medical Library, on his show "No Bones About It."

Watch the interview with Mr. Bender and Mr. Botha on YouTube: INTERVIEW with Bender/Botha

And... you can still purchase a hardcover copy of the book in the Mütter Museum Store: The Girl with a Crooked Nose

Read Monica Yant Kinney's article on this extraordinary man at Philly.com:
Frank Bender

Exciting News!

2009-11-07T12:16:00.007-05:00

"Dissection" has made Amazon's Top Ten Best Books of 2009 in Science, Editor's Picks.

Congratulations to the authors and publisher of this fascinating title.

Amazon's Top Ten Best Books of 2009 in Science, Editor's Picks.

Go here to buy the book:
Dissection

Madame Talbot & The Mütter Museum HEART Eachother!

2009-11-06T11:48:00.013-05:00

Madame Talbot and the Mütter Museum Store joined forces to create this incredible custom poster. Reference images were provided by museum staff and Madame Talbot designed this stunning and unique illustration which presents some of the Mütter Museum's most beloved specimens in intricate, hand-drawn detail.

View the entire poster (and buy it) here:
Mütter Museum Poster by Madame Talbot

Mütter Museum book inspires Jack-o-Lantern!

2009-11-03T13:19:00.004-05:00

Not only is the critically acclaimed Mütter Museum Historic Medical Photographs a best-selling title in our store, but it inspires creative pumpkin carving as well!

Go here to see this amazing pumpkin in all its lit-up glory!

Mütter Museum-inspired Jack-o-Lantern

And go here to buy the book!

Mütter Museum Historic Medical Photographs

müg

2009-11-02T11:27:00.003-05:00

One of our most popular items!

go to: Müg

IT'S ALIVE!

2009-10-30T12:05:00.006-04:00

The new Mütter Museum Online Store is ALIVE and ready to take your orders!

go to: The Mütter Museum Store