Phossy jaw, consigned to the history books by the introduction of safety matches, has reappeared in the 21st Century as Bisphosphonate-associated Osteonecrosis of the Jaw (BONJ), a side effect of a bone disease drug. This image represents thousands of Victorian match factory workers who had been exposed to toxic phosphorus. The artwork was inspired by 1960s Pop Art. in particular Andy Warhol. I have combined documentation related to Victorian phossy jaw and images of a 21st Century genetic study of a similar disease. The colours and the structure highlight this dreadful jaw condition and the pattern of dots symbolises a genetic technology (microarray) which will hopefully help eradicate BONJ. “They (medical illustration) are human remains, and we should treat them with dignity and respect.” Richard Barnett, Author of The Sick Rose: Disease and the Art of Medical Illustration.

Polly Pok-Lam Fung,
UCL Eastman Dental Institute, PhD student in Jaw Osteonecrosis

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