These are human remains from ‘top surgery’ undertaken as a medical gender affirmation procedure. The two breasts float in alcohol to preserve them.

These two objects were the motivation for founding the Museum of Transology. They provide evidence of the medical process, allow future researchers to explore the complexity of accessing treatment on the public health service in England (NHS) and document the outcome in technique being used by surgeons c2010. As specimens, they fall under the long standing practice of collecting human remains for future study. They also allow others considering the procedure the opportunity to inform themselves visually of the reality of the procedure to remove breast tissue.

These objects are currently held in private secure storage.

Photos by Thomas S.G. Farnetti ©Wellcome Collection.