It might be considered the ultimate memento mori to have your body wired and stuffed so you can be wheeled out at parties after death.

But eccentric philosopher Jeremy Bentham went a step further in ensuring that his friends did not forget him by bequeathing rings containing his bust in silhouette and strands of hair.

The social reformer who died in 1832, began making plans for his legacy from the age of 21, insisting his body be preserved as an ‘auto-icon’ and leaving a list of 26 individuals who were to receive a special mourning ring.

University College London (UCL) where Bentham’s body remains on display, has managed to track down six of the rings, but is hunting for the missing 20.

The silhouette portraits of Bentham were created by the artist John Field, who at the time was working by appointment to William IV and Queen Adelaide.

“The mourning rings were probably commissioned by Bentham in 1822, when he had his silhouette painted by Field,” said Dr Tim Causer, UCL Bentham Project.

“We also know that on 2 November 1822 Bentham’s secretary took some of his hair to Field and his partner John Miers for the rings,” said Dr Tim Causer, UCL Bentham Project.