Leadership and Empowerment
‘The Memory of Florence Nightingale’, 1920
Display No. 194
Nightingale became a cultural icon in Britain and beyond. This postcard from 1920 entitled ‘The Memory of Florence Nightingale’ designed by JC Biggar shows a Red Cross nurse looking towards a vision of Nightingale caring for a soldier during the Crimean War. Nightingale’s exceptional legacy has been an inspiration in many ways and problematic in some.
She did not support the idea of male nurses, who now make an invaluable contribution to the profession worldwide. However, her unwavering belief in the power of nursing gave the profession the strong foundations it needed to grow and evolve beyond its early boundaries. The confidence she placed in the profession continues to inspire and motivate nurses today.
Exhibits from ‘Florence The Leader’
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!