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Joseph Lister studied at University College, London. It was as professor of surgery at Glasgow University that he developed his antiseptic system, using different applications of carbolic acid to protect wounds from infections which were rife in the surgical wards of large urban hospitals. In 1877 he became professor of surgery at King`s College, London. In 1897 he was raised to the peerage as Baron Lister of Lyme Regis. The memorial takes the form of a tall plinth, crowned by a bust of Lister. Lower down, is an allegorical group. A female figure, wearing a peasant costume, personifies Humanity and points upwards in the direction of the bust. Her other hand rests on the shoulder of a naked youth, who holds a floral wreath and garlands and also looks upwards.
Title
Memorial to Joseph Lister (1827–1912)
Date
1915
Medium
bronze & grey Aberdeen granite
Measurements
H 574 x W 100 x D (?) cm;
Plinth: H 444 x W (?) x D (?) cm
Accession number
W1B_II_S004
Acquisition method
commissioned by the Royal Society and Royal College of Surgeons Committee
Work type
Statue
Owner
Royal Society and Royal College of Surgeons
Custodian
Westminster City Council
Work status
extant
Listing status
Grade II (England and Wales)
Unveiling date
1st November 1915
Listing date
05/02/70
Access
at all times
Signature/marks description
back of bust: Thos. Brock RA / Sculptor / 1922; on east side of self-base of the allegorical group: THOS. BROCK. RA. SCULPTOR / 1922
Inscription description
front of the plinth: LISTER; within wreath and at back of plinth: 1827-1912; on plinth on east side: SURGERY; on plinth on west side: SCIENCE; on west side of self-base of the allegorical group: CAST BY THE MORRIS ART BRONZE FOUNDRY / LONDON SW8