Florence the Woman

Aunt Mai, 1798-1889

Display No. 82

Mary Nightingale, known as ‘Aunt Mai’, was a life-long ally to Florence, who supported her studies, aspirations, nursing work and campaigning.

Aunt Mai stayed with Florence when she lived at the Burlington Hotel, where she wrote ‘Notes on Nursing’ and ‘Notes on Hospitals’.

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Exhibits from ‘Florence the Woman’

Discover the 200 Exhibits

Nightingale is respected worldwide for her pioneering role in developing the nursing profession, her statistical work, and her evidence-based approach to healthcare. In honour of her bicentenary the World Health Organisation have named 2020 the Year of the Nurse and Midwife.

In our special exhibition, you will find out about objects, people and places which tell interesting stories about Florence’s life and legacy. You’ll discover artefacts from her life, people she both inspired and challenged, and places she helped to shape. There’s many more insights too!

Please click on the different sections of her famous coxcomb diagram to explore various aspects of her life and legacy. We hope you enjoy exploring!