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Barber Surgeon Collection

The fascinating world of barber surgeons comes to life through satirical artwork that captures their unique role in history

Background imageBarber Surgeon Collection: Barber-surgeons, satirical artwork

Barber-surgeons, satirical artwork
Barber-surgeons. Satirical artwork depicting barber-surgeons and their patients as monkeys. At bottom, the barber role is being performed, while at top the surgical and medical roles are shown

Background imageBarber Surgeon Collection: An Election Entertainment, 1755 (oil on canvas)

An Election Entertainment, 1755 (oil on canvas)
SJS22527 An Election Entertainment, 1755 (oil on canvas) by Hogarth, William (1697-1764); 101.5x127 cm; Courtesy of the Trustees of Sir John Soanes Museum

Background imageBarber Surgeon Collection: Le Chirugien de Campagne' ('The Country Surgeon'). 17th century

Le Chirugien de Campagne' ('The Country Surgeon'). 17th century
540530 Le Chirugien de Campagne' ('The Country Surgeon'). 17th century (engraving after David Teniers showing the interior of a barber-surgeon's premises); (add.info)

Background imageBarber Surgeon Collection: A Visit to the Doctor; A Doctor Examining Urine, 1660-1665. Creator: Gerrit Dou

A Visit to the Doctor; A Doctor Examining Urine, 1660-1665. Creator: Gerrit Dou
A Visit to the Doctor; A Doctor Examining Urine, 1660-1665

Background imageBarber Surgeon Collection: Arlequin, Magicien et Barbier, pub. 1758 (engraving)

Arlequin, Magicien et Barbier, pub. 1758 (engraving)
3664616 Arlequin, Magicien et Barbier, pub.1758 (engraving) by Troost, Cornelis (1697-1750) (after); The Stapleton Collection

Background imageBarber Surgeon Collection: Night (engraving)

Night (engraving)
3648020 Night (engraving) by Hogarth, William (1697-1764) (after); Private Collection; (add.info.: Night. Illustration for Kulturgeschichtliches Bilderbuch aus drei Jahrhunderten by Georg Hirth)

Background imageBarber Surgeon Collection: Ambroise Pare as an apprentice barber surgeon in Paris

Ambroise Pare as an apprentice barber surgeon in Paris
LLM459548 Ambroise Pare as an apprentice barber surgeon in Paris by Serra, J. (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Ambroise Pare as an apprentice barber surgeon in Paris)

Background imageBarber Surgeon Collection: Pierre-Joseph Desault, 1800 (colour engraving)

Pierre-Joseph Desault, 1800 (colour engraving)
CHT316918 Pierre-Joseph Desault, 1800 (colour engraving) by Kimly (fl.1800) (after); Bibliotheque de la Faculte de Medecine, Paris, France; (add.info.: Dessault (1744-95); celebrated French Sugeon

Background imageBarber Surgeon Collection: Narrative of a Voyage round the World, during the Years 1836-1842

Narrative of a Voyage round the World, during the Years 1836-1842, including details of the Naval Operations in China
1616874 Narrative of a Voyage round the World, during the Years 1836-1842, including details of the Naval Operations in China from December 1840 to November 1841

Background imageBarber Surgeon Collection: The Tooth-Puller. Creator: Peeter van der Borcht

The Tooth-Puller. Creator: Peeter van der Borcht
The Tooth-Puller

Background imageBarber Surgeon Collection: Barber-Surgeons Picture

Barber-Surgeons Picture
Barber-Surgeon Companys picture depicting Henry VIII granting a charter to the corporation of London

Background imageBarber Surgeon Collection: Legerdemain, 1799 (?). 1799 (?). Creator: Thomas Rowlandson

Legerdemain, 1799 (?). 1799 (?). Creator: Thomas Rowlandson
Legerdemain, 1799 (?)

Background imageBarber Surgeon Collection: Druid and Highlander, 1812-1817. Creator: Unknown

Druid and Highlander, 1812-1817. Creator: Unknown
Druid and Highlander, 1812-1817. A barber-surgeon seated in a cut-away barrel treats the leg of his patient, a Scottish highlander in a kilt. [W. Davison, Alnwick, Scotland]

Background imageBarber Surgeon Collection: Barber Surgeons Hall and Courtyard, City of London, 1812

Barber Surgeons Hall and Courtyard, City of London, 1812
View of Barber Surgeons Hall and courtyard, City of London, 1812

Background imageBarber Surgeon Collection: Entrance to Barber Surgeons Hall, City of London, 1830. Artist: John Greig

Entrance to Barber Surgeons Hall, City of London, 1830. Artist: John Greig
Entrance to Barber Surgeons Hall, City of London, 1830; with figures

Background imageBarber Surgeon Collection: Barber Surgeons Hall, Monkwell Street, City of London, 1800. Artist

Barber Surgeons Hall, Monkwell Street, City of London, 1800. Artist
View of Barber Surgeons Hall, Monkwell Street, City of London, 1800; including courtyard and main entrance

Background imageBarber Surgeon Collection: View of exterior of building and anatomical theatre inside, c1662

View of exterior of building and anatomical theatre inside, c1662. Possibly Barber Surgeons Hall

Background imageBarber Surgeon Collection: Henry VIII granting the charter to the Barber Surgeons, 16th century, (1817)

Henry VIII granting the charter to the Barber Surgeons, 16th century, (1817)

Background imageBarber Surgeon Collection: Rear view of Barber Surgeons Hall, Monkwell Street, City of London, c1800

Rear view of Barber Surgeons Hall, Monkwell Street, City of London, c1800

Background imageBarber Surgeon Collection: Henry VIII, Granting a Charter to the Barbers and Surgeons Guilds, 1541, (1902)

Henry VIII, Granting a Charter to the Barbers and Surgeons Guilds, 1541, (1902). Artist: Hans Holbein the Younger
Henry VIII, Granting a Charter to the Barbers and Surgeons Guilds, 1541, (1902). King Henry VIII handing over a charter to Thomas Vicary, commemorating the joining of the Barbers and Surgeons Guilds

Background imageBarber Surgeon Collection: Sheep shearing, satirical artwork

Sheep shearing, satirical artwork. The title for this work refers to rich and poor and the shearing of sheep, saying that the sheep will be sheared according to its wool

Background imageBarber Surgeon Collection: Portrait of Thomas Vicary (d. 1561) (oil on panel) (b / w photo)

Portrait of Thomas Vicary (d. 1561) (oil on panel) (b / w photo)
XJF265596 Portrait of Thomas Vicary (d.1561) (oil on panel) (b/w photo) by English School, (16th century); Private Collection; (add.info)

Background imageBarber Surgeon Collection: Le Chirugien de Campagne ( The Country Surgeon ). Engraving after David Teniers

Le Chirugien de Campagne ( The Country Surgeon ). Engraving after David Teniers (17th century), showing the interior of a barber-surgeons premises

Background imageBarber Surgeon Collection: Dental themed china fairing, 19th century C017 / 8368

Dental themed china fairing, 19th century C017 / 8368
French fairing (small china ornament) showing a seated male patient having a tooth extracted in a forceful manner by a practitioner and his assistant (holding the patients head from behind)


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The fascinating world of barber surgeons comes to life through satirical artwork that captures their unique role in history. In "An Election Entertainment" (1755), an oil on canvas masterpiece, we witness the bustling atmosphere of a barber surgeon's shop during election time. The vibrant colors and intricate details showcase the diverse clientele seeking both grooming and medical assistance. In "Arlequin, Magicien et Barbier" (1758), an engraving, we are introduced to the whimsical side of these multi-talented individuals. Their ability to entertain while performing surgical procedures is depicted with humor and charm. Another engraving titled "Night" portrays the nocturnal activities of barber surgeons as they navigate through dimly lit streets, ready to attend to emergencies at any hour. This image highlights their dedication and commitment to serving their communities. Historical figures such as Ambroise Paré, apprentice barber surgeon in Paris, and Pierre-Joseph Desault are immortalized in colorful engravings from 1800. These depictions pay homage to their contributions in advancing surgical techniques and medical knowledge during their respective eras. Captain Sir Edward Belcher's engraving from his narrative voyage around the world provides a glimpse into how barber surgeons operated within naval operations in China during 1836-1842. Their skills were indispensable on long voyages where immediate medical attention was crucial. "The Tooth-Puller, " created by Peeter van der Borcht, showcases a common task performed by barber surgeons - extracting teeth. This humorous yet slightly unsettling image reflects the blend of artistry and practicality inherent in their profession. The Barber-Surgeons Picture offers a comprehensive view of this esteemed guild at work throughout various historical periods. It serves as a reminder of their significant role not only as healers but also as artists who left behind captivating visual records for future generations.