You're really struck by the humanness of these objects, you know, they're not really

straightforwardly objects, they are pieces of people.

In 2009, Gemma Angel, then a graduate student, heard about a very unique opportunity.

The chance to study a set of 300 dried tattoo specimens basically preserved pieces of human

skin with tattoos on them.

So creepy, but Gemma was fascinated.

It's a morbid fascination, there's something repellent about it, but also it draws you

to it at the same time.

The skins are part of the welcome collection, assembled at a time when criminologists were

interested in exploring a connection between tattoos and criminal behavior.

Gemma applied for the position, and when she went in for an interview, a few of the tattoos

were in clear boxes at the front of the room.

I just went straight over to the tattoos and started examining them, I'm so drawn to

them.

The tattoos had supposedly been gathered between 1830 and 1829 in France, allegedly from criminals

and sailors, but no one knew exactly who the tattoos came from or who'd collected them

or how.

Gemma wanted to get as many answers as she could.

It's like being a historical detective.

Of the 300 specimens, which vary in size, subject and technique, one in particular stood

out to her.

It's an especially well-preserved piece of skin from a man's chest.

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