Florence the Woman

William Smith, 1756-1835

Display No. 144

Nightingale’s grandfather William Smith was a leading independent British politician and established a successful international business, ‘The Sugar Loaf’. He campaigned for the abolition of the slave trade and was a Fellow of the Royal Society.

William Smith by and published by Valentine Green, after John Opie mezzotint, published 1 August 1800, NPG D41779

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!