Gaze upon the glass case before you, a captivating spectacle that holds a piece of history. This is Jeremy Bentham’s ‘auto-icon’. The philosopher and jurist, a pioneer of utilitarianism, requested this unique preservation in his will. His mummified skeleton, dressed in his original clothes, stands proudly within the case.
Bentham’s vision for his body was a radical one, an attempt to question the traditional views of death and afterlife. He wanted to be displayed, a lasting testament to his life’s work, rather than being relegated to a dusty tomb. It was also a way to promote his belief in utilitarianism, the idea that actions should maximize happiness for the greatest number of people.
When Bentham died in 1832, his friend Dr Thomas Southwood Smith meticulously preserved his remains. The head proved to be a challenge, the mummification process failing to preserve its original appearance. A wax head, crafted from a cast of the original, was used as a replacement.
The auto-icon, however, wasn’t quite complete. It took some time for a proper display case to be constructed. This iconic figure stood at Bentham’s own home until 1850. The case is now located at the entrance of the UCL Student Centre, where the icon is displayed, a poignant reminder of Bentham’s legacy.
This is not just a display of bones; it’s a powerful testament to a man’s vision who dared to redefine death and afterlife.