In a research context of ever-widening public engagement, we are facing new ethical questions about the presentation of sensitive historical material. This paper explores the complex ethical negotiations faced by researchers when sensitive visual material is presented in museums and galleries. I explore this in relation to a recent exhibition on the history of a mental hospital which displayed portraits of patients from the early twentieth century. I consider how we might navigate a dual responsibility both to the privacy and confidentiality of long dead patients and their relatives with a commitment to challenge the myths and stigma surrounding histories of mental health. I conclude by suggesting that there are both opportunities and risks involved in the translation of research into exhibitions. For researchers, museums offer more creative forms of mitigation to help navigate the risks of exploiting vulnerable groups. However, ethical calculations need to take place in context, and considering the lives of the dead, the living and the imagined.

在公众参与度不断扩大的研究背景下，我们面临着有关敏感历史资料的表述的新伦理问题。本文探讨了当敏感的视觉材料出现在博物馆和美术馆中时，研究人员面临的复杂的道德谈判。我将与最近有关精神病院历史的展览进行探讨，该展览展示了20世纪初期的患者肖像。我考虑我们如何应对长期死亡患者及其亲属的隐私和保密性承担双重责任，并致力于挑战有关心理健康历史的神话和污名。最后，我建议将研究成果转化为展览会既涉及机遇，也涉及风险。对于研究人员 博物馆提供了更具创意的缓解措施，以帮助应对剥削弱势群体的风险。但是，道德计算需要根据具体情况进行，并考虑死者的生活，活人和想象中的人。