The Atlas Obscura Podcast The Hand Collection (Classic)
Nov 28, 2025
Discover the fascinating world of hand casts, revealing stories behind iconic figures like Louis Armstrong and Walt Disney. Learn how a doctor transitioned from casting surgeons to celebrities, transforming a collection into a captivating display of art and history. Explore the unique shapes of hands that reflect their owners' lives, from Nolan Ryan's grip to Andre the Giant's massive hands. Delve into the significance of hands as storytellers, urging you to ponder the tales hidden in your own.
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Hands As Historical Portraits
- Dr. Adrian Flatt created a unique archive by casting dozens of notable people's hands to preserve anatomical and personal detail.
- The collection reveals identity through hands and connects medical practice with cultural history.
How The Casting Practice Began
- Flatt began casting surgeons' and children's hands to study form and deformity using a seaweed-based dental mold compound.
- He later expanded to celebrities and moved the collection to Baylor in 1982 where it remains.
Medical Practice Meets Museum Display
- The collection transforms clinical casting into a museum-like display that juxtaposes medical practice with cultural artifacts.
- Displaying casts with photos creates a dialogue between body part and biography.