The role of illustration and photography in the development of plastic surgery during the First World War
This talk explores the importance of illustration in the development of new plastic surgery technologies and procedures during and immediately after the war, with particular emphasis on the work of Henry Tonks on facial reconstruction. As the new weaponry and fighting methods of the war produced previously unseen injuries, surgeons were rapidly developing new procedures. Photography, though well-established as a documentary and creative medium by 1914, was not able to capture the intricacies of surgical intervention accurately, partially due to the lack of colour. Several established British artists applied their illustration skills to the challenge, not only supporting the development of life-changing and life-saving surgeries, but producing some of the most haunting portraits of the twentieth century.
Chantal Bradburn trained as an Art Historian, and has taught Art History, Photography and Film in further and higher education. Her research focuses on art made during and between the world wars, and how it reflects the rapidly changing social landscape of the time. She currently works as the Outreach and Widening Participation Manager at the University of Chester, and regularly shares some of the University’s, and Chester’s most fascinating buildings as part of local and national heritage events.
Speaker: Chantal Bradburn, University of Chester
Date: Wednesday, 2 April, 4:00pm
Venue: Wheeler Building, Room CRV012
Host: Faculty of Health, Medicine and Society Historical Society
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All are welcome to attend the in-person talks free of charge. Booking is encouraged for refreshment and seating purposes and in case there are any last-minute changes (contact details below).
Please check the event listings for updates to the programme: www.chester.ac.uk/events (scroll down to see the individual events). Access to the Riverside Museum and event venues is via a flight of steps and lift/step access thereafter. For those with limited mobility, there is an accessible route and please pre-book to arrange this access.
fhsc.histsoc@chester.ac.uk or 01244 512126
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How to get there
Access is via main Wheeler Building reception, located in the centre of Chester on Castle Drive by the River Dee. It is accessible via the M53, A55, A483, A51 and A41, and public transport from the city centre.
Cycling
There are cycle shelters at Queen’s Park which are marked with a yellow circle and the letter C on University location maps.
Public Transport
Chester railway station is a 20-minute walk from Wheeler and the Arriva 1 and 11 run frequent services that stop within a short walking distance. The Arrowebrook Coaches 26 also stops nearby. Parking is not available for students at Wheeler, however, all three Park and Ride routes, PR1, PR2 and PR3 have connections within walking distance to the site.
Parking
For alternative car parks, including the nearby Little Roodee, see the Cheshire West and Chester Council website.