Florence the Woman

Bronze bust of Florence Nightingale 

Display No. 147

Sir John Steell’s bust of Florence was often said by her family to be the best likeness of her. Florence agreed to sit for the sculptor in 1862 because the bust was commissioned by the British Army and paid for by its soldiers.

The bust can be seen at the Florence Nightingale Museum.

Bronze cast from the marble bust of Florence Nightingale by Sir John Steell. Florence Nightingale Museum Collection

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!