12 October 08
www.museumindocklands.org.uk
Jack the Ripper is Britain's most infamous murderer, and for over 120 years, his identity and motives have mystified police and professionals investigating the case... The Museum in Docklands exhibition explores how the murders were a huge catalyst for change, creating public revulsion at the desperate state of life in the shadows of the world’s richest city.
This is the first exhibition to bring together over 200 original artefact's from the time of these grizzly horrors, including sensational newspaper clippings, genuine police reports and chilling original photos about the case. The newspaper reports were rarely censored and journalists clambered to out-do each other with more shocking accounts of the crimes and outrageous claims about evidence and suspects. The exhibition also presents the document most prized by ‘Ripperologists’. The infamous red-ink letter sent to a press agency in September 1888 that claims responsibility for the murders and is signed ‘Jack the Ripper’.
The human suffering of the community that endured this elusive serial killer has not been forgotten. Authentic photos and sound recordings of the poverty-stricken Eastenders provide a personal touch against the sensational reports and frenzied speculation. Most importantly, the victims are not forgotten; each woman is named as visitors are told their pitiful stories that drove them to alcoholism and prostitution.
...This exhibition has layed-out all the evidence - it has allowed us to read the original accounts and statements - to digest the facts - and allowed us to come to our own conclusions... It has also shown us the real East end - as it was over a hundred years ago, the poverty, the hardship, and most importantly, the danger!...
...Fantastically put together and very memorable. The Museum in Docklands, and it's City twin, The Museum of London are two of the most interesting and well maintained attractions in London today... informative, educational and creatively staged... brilliant!
9 out of 10
