FOOTAGE of Princess Diana's funeral is among the controversial exhibits on display at an exhibition by Bucks artist Wendy Ryan.

Wendy, of Downley Common, High Wycombe, has come under fire for her exhibition: The Doll's Hospital - The Germline Gene Therapy Unit.

The exhibition which was well received at the Spring Garden Arts Centre, High Wycombe, during March and April has received criticism since going on display last Wednesday at the Evreham Centre, in Swallow Street, Iver.

Wendy, 36, says that by using a combination of video, photography, installation and sculpture, her work explores the ethics of gene therapy and rekindles the eugenics debate.

Wendy, who is surprised by the sudden criticism, said: "It seems strange that I have had so much criticism at Iver and yet at Spring Gardens I had people crying and hugging me for tackling such a difficult subject.

"I think it could be because I usually set the exhibition up in two rooms with a transition room in between and at Iver I have not been able to do that."

Her exhibits include a heart in a jar, severed feet placed in microwave ovens, bandaged models and dolls and videos about women in the hospital system from the 18th century onwards.

However some have found the exhibits frightening and upsetting.

Art teacher Gail Crichton said she thought the exhibition was extremely disturbing.

Gail, of Hawks Hill Bourne End, said: "There was a dead pigeon with its stomach open with the contents spilling out.

"There was also a monitor with footage of Princess Diana's funeral which didn't seem to fit in with the rest of the exhibits."

A spokesman for Bucks County Council said: "I believe the artist has received a letter of protest with five signatures on it.

"The only policy we have on this is concerning things that are inappropriate on the political front.

"If it was inappropriate it would not be placed in any centres.

"It is for other people to decide what constitutes art."

Wendy will be giving her critics a chance hit back at a lecture to be held at The Evreham Centre on Tuesday evening at 7.30pm. Contact (01753) 651180 for details.

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