Florence the Woman

Scutari Hospital Sash, 1854-1856

Display No. 169

Nightingale’s nurses at Scutari Hospital wore a uniform which included a grey dress, white apron, and a white sash embroidered with the words “Scutari Hospital” in red. This is the first known example of a nursing uniform. The uniform was an important way to ensure that patients and doctors recognised her nurses and treated them with respect.

White linen sash with red embroidery. 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!