CASTING AN ENIGMA, AN EXPLORATION OF THE METHODS USED BY THE LATE MR.PAUL LAWSON IN CREATING THE PLASTER BUST OF THE SOMERTON MAN INCLUDING A VIIDEO OF THE PROCESS...
Gordon CramerGordon332-
16
.....Introduction....:
In our recent discussions, we delved into the intricate process employed by Mr. Lawson in crafting the plaster bust representing the upper body of an individual believed to be that of the Somerton Man who was discovered on December 1st, 1948. As you will read there is some doubt about the identity of the body of the man on which Mr. Lawson worked
Discerning Facial Features:
Upon closer examination, Mr. Lawson and the Detectives assigned to assist him observed a disparity between the facial features of the man portrayed in the police autopsy photographs and those of the actual body on which they were working. This incongruity prompted Mr. Lawson to sculpt the facial characteristics of the bust based on the images captured during the autopsy conducted by Dr. Dwyer.
Video Documentation:
The accompanying video provides a comprehensive glimpse into the step-by-step process similar to that employed by Mr. Lawson in June 1949, showcasing the creation of a head and shoulders plaster bust, in this case of a live subject. This visual narrative follows the methodology used, providing a unique perspective into the skill and craftsmanship behind the plaster bust of the Somerton Man.
A FULL HEAD AND SHOULDERS LIFE CAST USING ALGINATE & PLASTER:
Challenges in Creating an Authentic Plaster Bust – Insights from the Video Documentation
Molding Ears and Hair:
Within the video, intriguing facets emerge, highlighting the challenges encountered during the molding process. Notably, the careful approach to molding ears, akin to Mr. Lawson's documented techniques in 1949, underscores the intricacies faced by the team. In molding the man's ears Mr. Lawson opted to use dental wax which whilst not providing a perfect solution, was considered to be a good compromise.
Hair Entanglement
A critical aspect addressed in the video was that of the prevention of hair entanglement
with the alginate mold. The team confronted this issue by employing innovative
solutions. For the eyebrows, petroleum jelly was used to prevent entanglement, while a distinctive method involving a form of 'cling wrap' was applied to secure the hair on the head, ensuring a seamless bald appearance. The significance of averting hair entanglement is emphasized, as clumps of hair could potentially compromise the integrity of the plaster cast.
Comparisons with Mr. Lawson's Techniques:
Drawing parallels with Mr. Lawson's expertise, it is crucial to recognize his experience and background as a taxidermist at the South Australian Museum. The video illuminates that hair entanglement was a common challenge, aligning with the standard practices outlined by Mr. Lawson in 1949. His use of mortuary soap to smother the man's hair, especially on the head and eyebrows, indicates a seasoned understanding of mitigating potential issues during the mold-breaking away process. Mr. Lawson's extensive experience in creating numerous casts, including the iconic Somerton Man, underscores his proficiency in navigating these challenges.
Mortuary Soap Application and DNA Implications:
The use of mortuary soap, containing sodium hypochlorite by Mr. Lawson, is a noteworthy detail. Beyond its role in facilitating mold release, the substance's DNA-destroying properties align with contemporary DNA lab practices. The application of ample mortuary soap to preserve the integrity of the man's hair, while inadvertently serving as a DNA deterrent, showcases Mr. Lawson's ability to maintain accuracy in reproducing the Somerton Man's distinct features.
Unique Considerations:
A noteworthy distinction arises in the video project's requirement for a bald appearance, diverging from the Somerton Man's distinctive head of hair. Mr. Lawson's application of mortuary soap tailored to the nature and appearance of the man's hair underscores his commitment to capturing authenticity in the plaster reproduction of the man's head and shoulders.
Conclusion The video not only reveals the technical nuances of plaster bust creation but also prompts a reflection on the skill, craftsmanship, and foresight exercised by Mr. Lawson in his iconic work on the Somerton Man. It should be noted that in the process applied by Mr.Lawson the likelihood of hair from the man's head becoming entangled with the cast and thus later retrievable, was minimised therefore casting doubt on the origin of the hair samples produced by Professor Abbott. It is known that human hair was used in the mold-making process in the relevant period when the Somerton Mn bust was made.
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I’m no expert at building molds, but when I looked at the SM bust photo something wasn’t right with one of the ears it looks like a lot of attention and detail was made when molding it, in MOH opinion it looks pretty lopsided! I wonder if they were other bust made, besides the one shown?
Hi, Yes thanks for that. I hadn't actually seen that particular post and it is correct in that people have been working on trying to decipher what they believed was the code on the 'code page'. What none of them did was to look past the the apparent 'written over' markings. In the real world of code finders and code breakers, they search specifically for 'concealments', that's what I did and the micro code is what I was able to find.Your comment here is very timely as I will shortly be posting a fairly involved post on the topic of the codes used in the Somerton Man case with examples of such codes found in being used in a Soviet WW2 spy ring.
I will comment further later today, just working on a new post at the moment.
What often makes me smile is the ability of some commenters to turn what is in essence a 150 word comment into a 1000 word article :) The number of words doesn't add any credibility to a flawed argument. Keep it short, keep it simple and keep it on point. To do otherwise is to be self indulgent, either that or perhaps there is a standard rate of pay for 1000 words?
A comment on the role of Professor Abbot. In a not that recent presentation to a Rotary Club in Adelaide, it was mentioned that Professor Abbot had just passed the magical number of 50 PHD students that he had successfully taken through the system at Adelaide University. Imagine, at 60K a pop, there's a nice $3 million in revenue but that doesn't include the other students that were attracted to the university because of the publicity storm that had been created by the good Professor and his team. The old adage that 'Any publicity is good publicity' may still have some credibility.
Well Mr. C, looks like your opposition are all scrambling to take ownership of the work you carried out and the interviews you had with the late Mr. Lawson. I wonder why that is.
Yes, it’s no more than you would expect from that particular quarter. Plagiarism, deviousness, abuse and trolls are the hallmarks of the CM forum. The extended comment by Byron Devison is a prime example of work done here but reworded there. Have to say that I am surprised that Byron would stoop to that level, then again with that blog you wouldn’t know who actually posted it. I feel sorry for the genuine people who comment there, by default they’re tainted with the more odious elements that have taken over. Meanwhile the rifle still hangs on the wall awaiting the next inevitable scene.
As a mere observer, it’s so entertaining to watch the dance of the ne’er do wells. On the one hand we have Steve with his verbal flatulence and the other there’s John and his digital halitosis. Yours was a wise choice to position yourself several weeks upwind of both.
As a mere observer, it’s so entertaining to watch the dance of the ne’er do wells. On the one hand we have Steve with his verbal flatulence and the other there’s John and his digital halitosis. Yours was a wise choice to position yourself several weeks upwind of both.
Hi Gordon, something that confuses me. If the man in the beach was different to the man in the morgue/plaster bust man, that means Jestyn reacted to someone who was not the SM. Isn’t the link to the ROK/Jestyn from the slip in SM’s pocket? So why does she react to the man in the morgue as if she knew him?
I was fortunate enough to spend quite a lot of time with Paul and in one of our discussions he told me that he had used the Somerton Man post autopsy photographs to model the face on the bust because the face on the body didn’t look like the Somerton Man. Is it possible that the body had deteriorated? I suppose it is but I would have thought the extensive embalming process should have prevented that or at the very least significantly reduced the effects of natural deterioration. For the record I was not the only person he said that to. So that explains Jestyn’s reaction I think and reinforces the notion that she knew him whilst simultaneously not ruling out the possibility of another body being used. Now add to that Paul’s diary entry where he states that he spoke to Constable Dinham re the disposal of the original body. I asked Paul about that comment and he changed the subject. Is this then the 100% truth of the matter? I would say it’s highly probable and in the end this is why the Coroner is about to review the issue. Thanks for the question, I hope this helps, Here’s a link to one of a number of posts on the interviews with Paul Lawson, a man for whom I held and still hold the greatest of respect, he was old school and his integrity and honour are beyond question. https://tamamshud.blogspot.com/2022/11/paul-lawson-was-told-to-make-bust-from.html
She expected to be him(SM) but she saw the bust as someone else? So she saw the newspaper showing the body she almost fainted in front of the authorities, and they just let her go! Without any intensive interrogation.Bad Detective work, P.S. I’m a cop.
I certainly wouldn't dismiss that possibility, I think it has been raised before but it was some time ago.
With you being in the job, your training no doubt included many hours on the subject of observation. So a question for you and others to consider in relation to the option you put forward. ( I was also in the job but many years ago)
How many people were in the room when Jestyn was shown the plaster bust? It is important and I think it's very relevant.
I think there 4 guys including the taxidermist in the room when she was shown the bust. For her to react like she did means she must have known him, why else would she do that.
About right. 4 but possibly 5 men in the room. Now consider the facts, she had very little notice and turned up without a lawyer in tow. A young mother walks into a room with at least 3 big Police officers and Mr.Lawson plus of course the plaster bust which she was shown. She was apparently shocked and disturbed by the bust, a bust with a face modelled on the post autopsy photographs of the man found on Somerton Beac on December 1st 1948. Apart from the obvious wondering why she reacted the way she did, wouldn’t you want to know why it was necessary for 4, ( possibly 5) men to be present? A young, diminutive mum up against 4 large men. That’s the question that came to my mind.
My curiosity was peaked further when there was no follow up after the bust meeting.
Why would that be? Anyone who has experience in the job would be hard put to find another example of a witness interview quite like this.
There has to be a reason and a few come to mind, but what do you think?
I’m no expert at building molds, but when I looked at the SM bust photo something wasn’t right with one of the ears it looks like a lot of attention and detail was made when molding it, in MOH opinion it looks pretty lopsided! I wonder if they were other bust made, besides the one shown?
ReplyDeleteIt's not by coincidence
ReplyDeletethat evidence can't be collated
it's by design
HeyMR.C! I just emailed you something about the code which I found, I hope it’s useful!
ReplyDeleteHi, Yes thanks for that. I hadn't actually seen that particular post and it is correct in that people have been working on trying to decipher what they believed was the code on the 'code page'. What none of them did was to look past the the apparent 'written over' markings. In the real world of code finders and code breakers, they search specifically for 'concealments', that's what I did and the micro code is what I was able to find.Your comment here is very timely as I will shortly be posting a fairly involved post on the topic of the codes used in the Somerton Man case with examples of such codes found in being used in a Soviet WW2 spy ring.
DeleteI will comment further later today, just working on a new post at the moment.
Thanks for the comment Jose!
What often makes me smile is the ability of some commenters to turn what is in essence a 150 word comment into a 1000 word article :) The number of words doesn't add any credibility to a flawed argument. Keep it short, keep it simple and keep it on point. To do otherwise is to be self indulgent, either that or perhaps there is a standard rate of pay for 1000 words?
ReplyDeleteA comment on the role of Professor Abbot.
ReplyDeleteIn a not that recent presentation to a Rotary Club in Adelaide, it was mentioned that Professor Abbot had just passed the magical number of 50 PHD students that he had successfully taken through the system at Adelaide University. Imagine, at 60K a pop, there's a nice $3 million in revenue but that doesn't include the other students that were attracted to the university because of the publicity storm that had been created by the good Professor and his team.
The old adage that 'Any publicity is good publicity' may still have some credibility.
Well Mr. C, looks like your opposition are all scrambling to take ownership of the work you carried out and the interviews you had with the late Mr. Lawson. I wonder why that is.
ReplyDeleteYes, it’s no more than you would expect from that particular quarter. Plagiarism, deviousness, abuse and trolls are the hallmarks of the CM forum. The extended comment by Byron Devison is a prime example of work done here but reworded there. Have to say that I am surprised that Byron would stoop to that level, then again with that blog you wouldn’t know who actually posted it. I feel sorry for the genuine people who comment there, by default they’re tainted with the more odious elements that have taken over.
ReplyDeleteMeanwhile the rifle still hangs on the wall awaiting the next inevitable scene.
As a mere observer, it’s so entertaining to watch the dance of the ne’er do wells. On the one hand we have Steve with his verbal flatulence and the other there’s John and his digital halitosis. Yours was a wise choice to position yourself several weeks upwind of both.
ReplyDeleteAs a mere observer, it’s so entertaining to watch the dance of the ne’er do wells. On the one hand we have Steve with his verbal flatulence and the other there’s John and his digital halitosis. Yours was a wise choice to position yourself several weeks upwind of both.
ReplyDeleteHi Gordon, something that confuses me. If the man in the beach was different to the man in the morgue/plaster bust man, that means Jestyn reacted to someone who was not the SM. Isn’t the link to the ROK/Jestyn from the slip in SM’s pocket? So why does she react to the man in the morgue as if she knew him?
ReplyDeleteI was fortunate enough to spend quite a lot of time with Paul and in one of our discussions he told me that he had used the Somerton Man post autopsy photographs to model the face on the bust because the face on the body didn’t look like the Somerton Man.
ReplyDeleteIs it possible that the body had deteriorated? I suppose it is but I would have thought the extensive embalming process should have prevented that or at the very least significantly reduced the effects of natural deterioration. For the record I was not the only person he said that to. So that explains Jestyn’s reaction I think and reinforces the notion that she knew him whilst simultaneously not ruling out the possibility of another body being used. Now add to that Paul’s diary entry where he states that he spoke to Constable Dinham re the disposal of the original body. I asked Paul about that comment and he changed the subject.
Is this then the 100% truth of the matter? I would say it’s highly probable and in the end this is why the Coroner is about to review the issue.
Thanks for the question, I hope this helps,
Here’s a link to one of a number of posts on the interviews with Paul Lawson, a man for whom I held and still hold the greatest of respect, he was old school and his integrity and honour are beyond question.
https://tamamshud.blogspot.com/2022/11/paul-lawson-was-told-to-make-bust-from.html
She expected to be him(SM) but she saw the bust as someone else? So she saw the newspaper showing the body she almost fainted in front of the authorities, and they just let her go! Without any intensive interrogation.Bad Detective work, P.S. I’m a cop.
ReplyDeleteI certainly wouldn't dismiss that possibility, I think it has been raised before but it was some time ago.
ReplyDeleteWith you being in the job, your training no doubt included many hours on the subject of observation. So a question for you and others to consider in relation to the option you put forward. ( I was also in the job but many years ago)
How many people were in the room when Jestyn was shown the plaster bust? It is important and I think it's very relevant.
I think there 4 guys including the taxidermist in the room when she was shown the bust. For her to react like she did means she must have known him, why else would she do that.
ReplyDeleteAbout right. 4 but possibly 5 men in the room. Now consider the facts, she had very little notice and turned up without a lawyer in tow. A young mother walks into a room with at least 3 big Police officers and Mr.Lawson plus of course the plaster bust which she was shown. She was apparently shocked and disturbed by the bust, a bust with a face modelled on the post autopsy photographs of the man found on Somerton Beac on December 1st 1948.
DeleteApart from the obvious wondering why she reacted the way she did, wouldn’t you want to know why it was necessary for 4, ( possibly 5) men to be present? A young, diminutive mum up against 4 large men.
That’s the question that came to my mind.
My curiosity was peaked further when there was no follow up after the bust meeting.
Why would that be? Anyone who has experience in the job would be hard put to find another example of a witness interview quite like this.
There has to be a reason and a few come to mind, but what do you think?