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Decay

‘Decayed’ photographic prints of museum animal specimens stored in jars of spirit.

The original prints were of a selection of animal specimens kept in Oxford University Museum of Natural History collections. The prints themselves were subsequently displayed in glass jars of vinegar for people to handle and peer into. The vinegar caused the photo paper chemicals to separate, creating this unusual ‘decay’ effect. In this way, the photo collection reflects the natural decay that can occur with museum specimens if they are not properly cared for.

Oxford University Museum of Natural History are not on display to the public and these images were taken with special access and permission.

Images taken courtesy of the Oxford University Museum of Natural History 

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