Death: A Self Portrait.

The Richard Harris Collection at the Wellcome Collection.

Thursday 15 November 2012 - Sunday 24 February 2013. 

A fascinating collection of memento mori, with over 300 exhibits displayed through five themed rooms, featuring works as diverse as a Renaissance painting, an etching by Goya, anatomical illustrations and papier-mâché sculptures.  It also boasts the stunning War Collection by Otto Dix and one of the earliest known versions of the Danse Macabre from the Nuremberg Chronicle of 1493, alongside a range of contemporary artworks inspired by death.    

The collection contains items inspired by and celebrating death, amassed from countries across the globe over a 12 year period by Richard Harris, a former antiques dealer from Chicago.  The collection provides a unique opportunity to take a look at the many perspectives surrounding this eternally elusive subject. 

The venue also hosts a well-stocked book store selling the accompanying book by Richard Harris, and also offering a good selection of books and items in keeping with the theme.

The exhibition, which is free to enter, runs until 24 February 2013, and is well worth a visit.

For more information, see www.wellcomecollection.org/death.