Join the Knowledge Quarter for this exclusive private view and guided tour of Healing Words: The Unofficial Story of Medical Practice in England, 1500–1800 at the Royal College of Physicians.
Sign up to the private view here.
This KQ CONNECT event will feature an exclusive 30-minute tour at 17:45 with Pamela Forde, RCP archives manager and the lead curator of Healing Words.
Additionally, enjoy nibbles, a unique opportunity for KQ networking and the chance to participate in some fun, interactive activities!
You’re welcome to drop in any time between 17:30 and 18:30.
About the exhibition
“This exhibition takes a critical look at the established narratives around ‘unofficial’ or ‘domestic’ medical practice in England in previous centuries, as documented in medical recipe books.” — Pamela Forde, RCP archives manager and lead curator of Healing Words
Healing Words reveals how ordinary households used recipe books to document and share knowledge about treatments and cures.
The exhibition features rare manuscripts and recipe collections that shed light on early medical practices, family traditions, and the blend of science and folk knowledge in the creation of health remedies.
Recipe books served as essential resources for households, often blending science, nature, and traditional wisdom. These texts preserved knowledge about herbs, spices, and plants, providing insights into early forms of pharmacy and healthcare.
Accessibility
The exhibition is located on the first floor gallery of the RCP building, which has accessible lifts to all levels and toilets on the Lower Ground floor. Guide and hearing dogs are welcome. There is limited car parking spaces available for disabled visitors only, please contact the RCP to book these in advance. Additional tools are available at the start of the exhibition including large print captions, magnifying glasses and coloured overlays. For quiet reflection, dedicated spaces are available.
The RCP’s accessibility pages provide further information about the building, please click here. If you have any further questions and/or requirements, please get in touch with the Events Manager, Mandy Huynh (mandy.huynh@bl.uk).
What is KQ CONNECT?
KQ CONNECT is our networking event series that brings KQ colleagues together across our diverse range of partner institutions. Join us for a series of private views of exhibitions and summer walking tours of our vibrant local area. Immerse yourself in a world of creativity, connect with like-minded individuals, and discover hidden gems across the Knowledge Quarter.
Can’t attend but want to receive invitations to future private views? Sign up to our newsletter here.