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Date of release: 2nd May 2024
New lease of life for healthcare memorabilia as arts and heritage exhibition opens
A unique display of medical artefacts is now on display in Wolverhampton’s first Healthcare Heritage Centre.
Housed within Wolverhampton Central Library, the centre is part of The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust Charity Arts and Heritage Group’s, Care, Create, Conserve project, funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
Visitors can take a step back in time to explore Wolverhampton’s healthcare history, with some of the earliest items in the collection dating back to 1840.
The current display features a collection of pharmaceutical items, a doctor’s desk set up, midwifery memorabilia and an area dedicated to the Eye Infirmary, amongst other historical items and artefacts.
Creative contributors and donors attended a launch event where their artwork and historical artefacts took centre stage in display cabinets.
Those in attendance included local artists, Arts and Heritage Volunteers, former staff from Wolverhampton’s Royal Hospital and history enthusiasts, who reflected upon their experiences and memories.
History enthusiast, Roy Stallard, has donated many items to the collection which he has gathered throughout his nursing career upon joining The Royal in 1954.
The 89-year-old said: “I am absolutely thrilled to see the collection in its full glory, on display for everyone to see and learn from.
“I began collecting as soon as I joined The Royal and felt a strong connection to the organisation and wanted to learn and inspire others.
“One of my favourite items in the collection is the ether mask. It is prominent because Wolverhampton was the first place to use ether as an anaesthetic in 1847. Wolverhampton has such a unique healthcare history, and I am looking forward to seeing the collection grow.”
The project’s first co-creation piece, generated through an artistic collaboration between Real Arts Workshops and local schools and community groups, was also unveiled.
The creative display consisted of 2D artwork and a 3D sculpture of the iconic façade of the Royal Hospital.
Volunteers are now in place ready to engage with members of the public and ensure Wolverhampton’s rich healthcare heritage is shared with future generations.
The exhibition is on the ground floor to the rear of Wolverhampton Central Library and can be viewed during library opening times.
For more information, or if you would like to get involved in the project, please email rwh-tr.artsandheritage@nhs.net.