Medical and Dental Collection
The Medical and Dental Collection sheds light on areas of medical history. Objects reflect the development of specialisms like Anatomy, Opthamology and Dentistry. They tell the story of the development of the University’s Medical School, Birmingham School of Dentistry, and medical education in general.
History
Medical Collection
Inside the University’s Medical School various displays highlight its history and commemorate distinguished physicians who significantly contributed to the teaching and practice of medicine in Birmingham and the surrounding region.
The collection includes historic portraits of 19th-century Birmingham physicians and a portrait bust of Professor Dame Hilda Lloyd by Jacob Epstein. Lloyd was the first female President of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. She was a true pioneer, establishing the obstetrical ‘flying squads’ which were crucial in saving the lives of mothers and babies, particularly in underserved areas of Birmingham.
You can also find a rare group of anatomical wax models from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, made by the renowned German model maker Friedrich Ziegler. Once used for demonstrations, they are now used in teaching the history of medicine.
Dental Collection
The Dental Collection delves into the history of the Dental Hospital, the first in the UK and the first to award dental degrees in 1909. It includes:
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Historic dental tools
- Ephemera
- Objects related to dental education
For information about the history of the collection and collecting practices, see our Collections Development Policy.
Variable-rate cardiac pacemaker, Joseph Lucas Ltd in conjunction with University of Birmingham, 1960-1970, various materials including bakelite, plastics and copper
Portrait bust of Dame Hilda Lloyd, Jacob Epstein (1880-1959), 1951, bronze
Prosthetic leg, unknown manufacturer, about 1935, various materials including plastic, foam and rubber