[Reposted] Radio 4: "Dust, soil, refuse, filth, sleaze, slime, smut!" (No, it's not 'The Archers')

Thinking Allowed

8 and 12 June

BBC RADIO 4

Link to BBC iPlayer

"Laurie Taylor presents a special edition of 'Thinking Allowed', recorded with an audience of the public at the Wellcome Collection's exhibition on dirt.

"Dirt is dust, soil, refuse, excrement, bacteria, filth, sleaze, slime, smut – how easily the word changes its meaning, from the physical to the moral. It is this fascinating relationship and threat, which dirt seems to pose, that is explored in the Wellcome Collection's exhibition, Dirt: The Filthy Reality Of Everyday Life.

"Laurie and a panel of experts explore the meaning of dirt, its relationship to order, and how hygiene and the mass generation of dirt have become such potent symbols of civilisation. He is joined by anthropologist Adam Kuper, writer and cartoonist Martin Rowson, and historian Amanda Vickery, to discuss dirt and why it provokes such fear, loathing and, occasionally, desire."

Link to video and exhibition details