Miss Esther Jane Bridson, Matron of Noble's Hospital
Date made: early 20th century
Artist: unknown artist
Description: This portrait shows Miss Esther Jane Bridson, Matron of Noble's Hospital from 1906 to 1923.
Housed in a simple gold frame this portrait is painted in oils, probably over an original photograph. The portrait shows Matron Bridson in a black silk high necked blouse and wearing a small white cap, the traditional headgear of a nurse.
Born in 1863, Esther Bridson had been a Nursing Sister at the Royal Southern Hospital, Liverpool where she had undertaken her nursing training, prior to her appointment to Nobles. She ran the hospital throughout the First World War despite a shortage of nurses, many of whom were away on war work. She died in 1940. In the 19th century, nursing was one of the few professions open to women, though only whilst they remained unmarried.
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Measurements: overall: 54 cm x 43 cm
Materials: oil on board
Object name: painting
Collection: Art Collection
ID number: 1987-0091