Surgeons at Work: The art of the operation

The link between surgery and art has long been recognised and many artists, including Henry Tonks and Barbara Hepworth, have found inspiration from observing the surgical world. This exhibition features representations of surgeons and surgery from the 16th to the 21st centuries taken from the museum and library collections of the Royal College of Surgeons. 

These book illustrations, prints, drawings and paintings convey technical information or provide a record of treatment. Many also attempt to capture the emotions and atmosphere of the theatre and reveal something of the relationship between the patient, surgeon and the operating team.