Reconstructing Lives
Reconstructing Lives takes a fascinating and moving look at the
experience of those who have lost limbs in war, whether military or
civilian, and the technology which helps rebuild their lives.
Throughout history, many people have lost limbs as a result of
conflicts around the world. This exhibition focuses on the
prosthetic limbs that were developed to help them rebuild their
lives, from armour-like iron hands of the 16th century through to
21st century carbon-fibre running blades, with real examples,
powerful images, and the amputees' own stories.
Although replacements such as 'peg legs' were made in Roman
times, the number of people who survived amputations increased
dramatically with medical developments from the middle of the 19th
century. Around 41,000 British amputees came from the First World
War, leading to an increase in research into prosthetics. The
current conflict in Afghanistan is leading to more amputations on
military personnel, and civilians being affected by landmines.
On display you'll find prosthetics, ranging from a 16th
century iron hand to a modern i-limb hand developed
by Touch Bionics.