A Picture of Health: Exeter’s Medical History

In 2019 RAMM acquired a series of portraits of influential early physicians, surgeons and benefactors of the Devon & Exeter Hospital, which opened in 1743, and later became the RD&E. These new acquisitions form part of an exhibition examining health and wellbeing in Exeter from the 18th century to present day. Focusing on the stories and experiences of real people associated with the city’s medical past and including, for the first time, the display of some recently identified medical objects from RAMM’s collections.

From body snatching surgeons, to pioneering use of inoculation and medical statistics, and a revolutionary hip replacement, this exhibition will engage audiences of all ages with a lesser known aspect of Exeter’s rich history, and highlight parallels which have particular contemporary relevance in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.