History of health goes on show
ANEW display about the history of health and wellbeing has opened in the Heritage Gallery at Touchstones
From Herbs to Hospitals gives visitors the opportunity to learn more about the development of health and wellbeing from the Victorian period through to the advent of the National Health Service in the 1940s.
On display are items that have never previously been displayed and have been donated to the museum collection from various donors including Birch Hill Hospital and Rochdale Infirmary.
On display is a small ambulance which was towed along behind a vehicle, a collection of slides which have been loaned from Manchester University.
One of the highlights of the show is a beautiful wooden home medicine chest, alongside bottles which once contained poisons.
An amazing model of the Rochdale Infirmary is shown, made by John Thomas in 1883 from thousands of pieces of cork.
Pride of place within the display is a beautiful marble bust of Margaret Ellen Watson. This bust, which was carved from one block of solid white marble by Joseph William Swinnerton, underwent extensive conservation treatment several years ago to remove accumulated dirt and dust.
Margaret was the beloved daughter of Thomas Watson, a well respected local textile mill owner who specialised in silk manufacture.
Margaret sadly died in 1882 and in 1883 Mr Watson purchased Howard House, a large manor house and estate, gifting it to the people of Rochdale in memory of his late daughter, with the intention of it being utilised as the town’s infirmary.
It is believed that Mr Watson spent more than £8,000 adapting and improving the property, as well as paying towards equipment and beds.
The Infirmary was officially opened in 1883 by John Bright MP. The original gold key, which was presented to Mr Bright, is on display.
The show also includes a display created by the people living with dementia who attend the Alzheimer’s Society Cafes within the borough, memories created in art form.