Coralie Clover

Not everyone agrees about displaying or retaining human remains in museums. I think discussing why we do things in museums is really important, and I welcomed this chance to do so. Thanks, @theguardian.com !

We make sure that people don’t have to see our skeleton if they don’t want to. For those who do, we’ve worked with archaeologists to tell her story as fully as we can from the evidence. As we find out more, we’ll add to our display - just as she’s added to our understanding of the ancient world.

I don’t disagree with the main thrust of Paul Daley’s piece - he’s right that human remains stolen from other countries should be repatriated. I believe firmly, however, that human remains in the right context can be displayed respectfully and in a way which enriches our visitors’ experience.

Folkestone Museum’s Anglo-Saxon skeleton is helping us to understand and honour the past | Letters Letter: Coralie Clover says having human remains on display inspires visitors and helps build empathy with the ancient world

So… I wrote a letter to the Guardian about one of their recent opinion pieces, and they published it!

www.theguardian.com/culture/2025...