The tiniest objects can have the biggest stories.
The RCP Museum holds a collection of around 100 medals and coins, ranging from touch pieces used for warding off disease to satirical buttons poking fun at royalty and military medals awarded to doctors serving in the British Armed Forces. Our large collection of award medals show us what – and who – physicians and the medical profession have considered important over the last 150 years, with significant individuals being represented both on the medals and in the dedications of whom they were awarded to. Covering all aspects of a physicians practice from medical school through to retirement, these items provide us with a different way of understanding the experience of physicians, and show us how the medal as an art-form has developed and changed over time.
Designed by Allen Wyon, this gold medal was commissioned by the Royal College of Physicians and awarded to Sir Arthur Hurst in 1939.
Designed by Allen Wyon, this gold medal was commissioned by the Royal College of Physicians and awarded to Sir Arthur Hurst in 1939.
Awarded by the RCP triennially from 1891 for observation and research in clinical medicine. Hurst, F.R.C.P. (1879-1944) was one of Britain's leading gastroenterologists.
Awarded by the RCP triennially from 1891 for observation and research in clinical medicine. Hurst, F.R.C.P. (1879-1944) was one of Britain's leading gastroenterologists.
Designed by Frank Bowcher this silver medal was founded by Sir Hermann Weber (1823-1918) in 1894 (or 1895?) in memory of Dr. Edmund Alexander Parkes, F.R.C.P. (1819-76)
Designed by Frank Bowcher this silver medal was founded by Sir Hermann Weber (1823-1918) in 1894 (or 1895?) in memory of Dr. Edmund Alexander Parkes, F.R.C.P. (1819-76)
Awarded triennially from 1897 for work in the prevention and cure of tuberculosis. The reverse of this medal was designed according to Weber's scheme.
Awarded triennially from 1897 for work in the prevention and cure of tuberculosis. The reverse of this medal was designed according to Weber's scheme.
Bronze medal of John Freind (1675-1728), by Ferdinand de Saint Urbain (1658-1738), 1728. Physician and chemist, Freind, F.R.C.P., F.R.S.
Bronze medal of John Freind (1675-1728), by Ferdinand de Saint Urbain (1658-1738), 1728. Physician and chemist, Freind, F.R.C.P., F.R.S.
The reverse of the medal appears to be an allusion to Freind's 'History of Physic' (1726) which advocates a synthesis of old and new practice in medicine. The medal may be posthumous.
The reverse of the medal appears to be an allusion to Freind's 'History of Physic' (1726) which advocates a synthesis of old and new practice in medicine. The medal may be posthumous.
Bronze medal, St. Bartholomew's Hospital, London, Octocentenary, 1923 by Charles Leonard Hartwell (1873-1951).
Bronze medal, St. Bartholomew's Hospital, London, Octocentenary, 1923 by Charles Leonard Hartwell (1873-1951).
Commissioned by the Governors. 'Dr. William Harvey - medallion' which the artist exhibited at the Royal Academy 1923 was presumably a version of the College's medal.
Commissioned by the Governors. 'Dr. William Harvey - medallion' which the artist exhibited at the Royal Academy 1923 was presumably a version of the College's medal.
To find out more, visit our permanent ‘Medical Medals’ display in the Thomas Cotton room on the lower ground floor of the RCP building, explore the archive and museum catalogue or make a research appointment to view items not on display.
