Falsifying Sex

Erotic objects from the ancient past have been hidden away since their discovery. These sealed collections are only now being opened to the public.

The Naples National Museum features a secret chamber. Remains from Pompeii found on street corners, in bars and as garden ornaments are exhibited. Dating back to 1752, a marble garden statue shows a God fornicating with a goat.

Items contained in the Classics collection of the British Museum are only viewable by appointment. It was felt that they were too sensitive and delicate to be publicly displayed. The ruling class were concerned with the adverse effects of having the general population view pornography, such as the statue of a god with an excessively large penis. In the 19th century, sex was perceived as a threat to law and order and even to the British Empire itself.

With sexual desire being viewed as an illness, an attempt to quash sexual appetites was made by Dr. Kellogg, who invented cornflakes. They were initially lacking in popularity due to the anti-libido effect resulting in little taste. Improving the flavour inevitably sacrificed the intended result.