This exhibition showcases eight competition entries by UCL students that critically reflect on the questions What is a fit body? What do we mean by ‘fit’ today and in the past?

The exhibition in the Petrie Museum of Egyptian Archaeology considers the role of athletics, sport and political power in ancient Egypt and Greece as well as recent movements around body image and identity. It reconsiders our ideas around the 'fit body' and power, ancient and modern.

The premise is based on the ancient Egyptian Pharaohs proving their physical fitness every 30 years by running a circuit in the Sed jubilee festival. Although such physical prowess is not formerly expected from our current political leaders, arguably we prefer tall and slim Prime Ministers and Presidents.

The North Cloisters exhibition displays the winning student entries alongside a range of responses to the idea of ‘fit bodies’ from two UCL students who play sport; from a researcher on a UCL project exploring race and the body in art; the point of view of a former professional female body builder; a UCL PhD candidate examining the ‘damaged’ body; and the writer Helen Goldwyn and actress Louise Jameson on their one-woman play on cosmetic surgery.

Tuesday to Saturday 13.00 – 17.00.

The museum is located on Malet Place.

The museum is open to the public during normal visiting hours, but access to the museum is not easy and the situation is particularly difficult at present with extensive working taking place near the museum. You can find access information on our website here: http://www.ucl.ac.uk/museums/petrie/visit