Off with their heads: 3D scans reveal Lord Nelson and PM Pitt's secrets

Wax portrait heads of historical figures captured in extraordinary detail in pioneering partnership of art and science

Adm Lord Horatio Nelson and William Pitt the Younger have travelled together by taxi across the Thames, from their home in Westminster Abbey to St Thomas' hospital, to have their heads run through some of the most sophisticated scanning equipment in the world in a pioneering partnership of art, conservation and science.

Scanning of the wax portrait heads, made at the time of their deaths in 1805 and 1806, was performed using state-of-the-art equipment owned by Guy's and St Thomas', with all the scientists, curators, conservators and abbey staff involved in the project working unpaid overtime.