Making the Rounds: Stories of Workhouse Nurses Told in Textiles (exhibition)
A textile art exhibition exploring the lives and living conditions of workhouse nurses at the former Mitford and Launditch Union Workhouse (Gressenhall).
25 Jan 2025, 10:00 - 17 May, 17:00
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This textile art exhibition explores the lives and living conditions of workhouse nurses at the former Mitford and Launditch Union Workhouse (Gressenhall). It is based on a collaboration between Gressenhall Farm and Workhouse, museum volunteers and artist Connie Flynn.
Making the Rounds: Stories of Workhouse Nurses Told in Textiles
Saturday 25 January – Saturday 17 May 2025
Royal College of Nursing Library and Museum
Between 1777 and 1948, Mitford and Launditch Union Workhouse - now Gressenhall Farm and Workhouse - was home to some of the most vulnerable people in rural Norfolk. Its purpose was to provide accommodation, food and work for 'paupers' who did not have enough money provide for themselves. The NHS had not yet been created, and many people turned to the workhouse because of illness, old age, disability, mental illness, or as a safe place to give birth. The day-to-day care of the sick and vulnerable inmates fell to just a handful of nurses. They were often overworked, undertrained, and isolated.
This exhibition is the result of a year-long collaboration between Norfolk-based artist Connie Flynn and volunteer researchers at Gressenhall Farm and Workhouse. Drawing on over 60 new nurse biographies and 150 years of welfare history, this captivating exhibition interweaves beautiful textile art pieces and the archival sources that inspired them.
Previously displayed at Gressenhall Farm and Workhouse, the exhibition is now on display in the RCN Library and Museum in London, incorporating new items from the RCN collection alongside the artworks and volunteer research.
Content warning: please be aware that parts of this exhibition mention death in childbirth and suicide.
For any queries about this event please contact
RCN Library and Heritage Centre
rcn.library@rcn.org.uk
0345 337 3368
20 Cavendish Square
Marylebone
London
W1G ORN
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Page last updated - 17/01/2025
