Robert Devcic

Founder and Director of GV Art, London

I have overall responsibility for the gallery and looking after 30 artists, and I am the DI for the public display licence. We are a commercial gallery which has used human tissue in our exhibits. We have gone to great lengths to keep the dignity of the material and have never lost sight of the fact that they are the remains of people.

When we were first considering showing an exhibition that used human tissue I was relieved to find out about the HTA, and it was only then I felt confident enough to seriously think about working with the subject. Regulation has made me feel protected and more confident; in the US it isn't clear what you can and can't do, whereas here it is very clear. When I got in touch with the HTA everyone I spoke to was very helpful. I had already read the Human Tissue Act but I found it completely overwhelming and couldn't see how it applied to my situation. The people I spoke to at the HTA put everything into perspective for me, using everyday language. Each time I had a question they have always explained how to apply the Act to that situation in practical terms.

The HTA is absolutely accessible and responsive, and sometimes gets back within hours. Language and tone is
important as well, and their guidance is straightforward and written in plain English. Nevertheless, when you are not used to reading this type of guidance it helped me to get someone at the HTA to provide clarification.

The licence fee is a lot of money, but I have looked at HTA accounts and understand that it costs to keep regulating. Although the exhibition is finished, I am proud I have a licence and will keep it because it gives me the option of an exhibition in future.