Body parts artist explains herself

ARTIST Wendy Ryan (pictured) had a chance to explain her controversial exhibition, The Doll's Hospital - The Germline Gene Therapy Unit, at a lecture on Tuesday.

Wendy, of Downley Common, High Wycombe, spoke up in defence of her exhibits which include footage of Princess Diana's funeral, a heart in a jar, severed feet placed in microwave ovens and bandaged dolls.

The exhibition has come under fire since going on display at Iver but was well received during a previous showing at Spring Garden Arts Centre, in High Wycombe.

Wendy's work explores the ethics of gene therapy and rekindles the eugenics debate.

More than 25 people attended the lecture at the Evreham Centre in Swallow Street, Iver, where the exhibition is being held.

Wendy said: "There was none of the antagonism I had been led to expect there could be. I explained about the different things I had done so people could get an idea how this exhibition was put together."

Jackie Crabtree, of Desborough Road, High Wycombe, who attended the lecture, said: "It was very interesting to listen to Wendy. Hearing about the experiences she has had gives us a much better understanding of why she put the exhibition together."

Marcus Dearden,from Claredon Road, High Wycombe, was also full of praise for Wendy's work. He said: "It was a very enlightening exhibition and you could tell she was genuine and not just setting out to cause a sensation."

The Doll's Hospital exhibition continues until May 18.

For more details contact the Evreham Centre on (01753) 651180.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.