Hard-bitten display for World Smile Day

6 October 2006

As grins are prepared for World Smile Day on Friday 6 October, an extraordinary set of 18th Century dentures is going on public display for the first time at Museum of London until 20 October 2006.

The 200-year old set of false teeth belonged to Arthur Richard Dillon (1721-1806), Archbishop of Narbonne in France.

Archaeologists discovered them, still snugly fitting in his mouth, when they opened his coffin in London’s St Pancras graveyard during excavations in advance of construction work at the Channel Tunnel Rail Link’s new London terminus.

Made of porcelain with gold springs, and individually crafted for a perfect fit, dentures such as these were invented in France in the 1770s. Dillon possibly bought them from the celebrated Parisian dentist, Nicholas De Chemant, before fleeing to England at the time of the Revolution.

This unique archaeological discovery is a poignant memento of a leading and colourful figure in the French émigré community.

Museum of London specialist Natasha Powers, working with Gifford Archaeology on the project, has written a paper on the teeth for the latest edition of the British Dental Journal. She said “These unique artefacts reflect a pivotal time in dental history, with the adoption of new materials and methods of manufacture. They also represent a period of significant social and economic change for the upper echelons of French society.”

Notes to editors

• For images and further information please contact Tim Morley on 020 7814 5607 (tmorley@museumoflondon.org.uk)
• The investigation of St Pancras burial ground was undertaken by Gifford Archaeology, assisted by Pre-Construct Archaeology and Museum of London Archaeological Service, for London and Continental Railways.
• The paper detailing the find appears in the 07 October edition of the British Dental Journal.
• Dillon was born in St-Germain-en-Laye, Paris in 1721. He served as Bishop of Evreux before being ordained Archbishop of Narbonne in 1763. He served as president of the general assembly of the clergy of France in 1775 and 1875 and was a member of the first and second Assemblies des Notables (1787 and 1788). After escaping the guillotine, he fled to England in 1791.
• Do an act of kindness. Help one person smile. Visit www.worldsmileday.com.
• The Museum of London is the only museum to tell the story of London from pre-historic times to the present. Find out what Romans ate for dinner, experience the Great Fire of London, find out when pointy shoes first became fashionable, go window-shopping in our Victorian walkway and be amazed by the magnificent Lord Mayor’s coach. Open daily, admission is free. To find out about our exciting events programme and start exploring London’s history, visit www.museumoflondon.org.uk or call 0870 444 3851.
• In February 2007 the Museum of London will begin an £18 million initiative to redevelop the galleries which tell stories of London from 1666 up to today. The Capital City project will also include a new learning centre, an information zone, a coffee point and a lecture theatre, which will open in 2009. For more information, including about how to support the campaign by “buying a year of London’s history” and becoming part of the new display see www.museumoflondon.org.uk/buyayear or call 020 7814 5505.
• LCR (London & Continental Railways Ltd) has the public-private partnership contract with the UK Government to build and operate the Channel Tunnel Rail Link (CTRL). For more information about LCR please contact Ben Ruse, Head of Media, 020 7391 4369 (bruse@lcrhq.co.uk).