Sir James Young Simpson, 1811 - 1870. Discoverer of chloroform − Patric Park − P − Artists A-Z − Online Collection − Collection − National Galleries of Scotland

Sir James Young Simpson, 1811 - 1870. Discoverer of chloroform

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Patric Park John Stevenson Rhind

Sir James Young Simpson, 1811 - 1870. Discoverer of chloroform about 1889

On Display PORTRAIT GALLERY

Scottish Art

The seventh son of a West Lothian baker, Simpson rose to the peak of the medical profession. He became Professor of Midwifery at the age of twenty-eight and was acclaimed worldwide for his advances in obstetrics and gynaecology. Most importantly, he introduced chloroform as an anaesthetic in childbirth and surgery. The Church argued vigorously against its use, saying that pain during labour was pre-ordained but, after Queen Victoria experienced its benefits during the birth of her eighth child in 1853, it came into general use. This marble bust was commissioned by Simpson's son, who asked the sculptor to copy an original plaster by Patric Park

Glossary Open

Bust

Details

Acc. No. PG 426
Medium Marble
Size Height: 79.50 cm
Credit Presented by Sir W.G. Simpson 1889

Patric Park (Scottish, 1811 - 1855)

Patric Park was born in Glasgow and apprenticed to a local stonemason at the age of fourteen. After gaining experience in decorative stone carving, Park studied in Rome for two years from 1831, under Bertel Thorvaldson (1770 - 1843). On returning to Glasgow, Park established a studio and was particularly prolific in the production of portrait busts. However, he is reported to have 'alienated many of his clients by his blunt manner and eccentric behaviour.' Park settled in Manchester in 1852, after spending time in Edinburgh and London.

John Stevenson Rhind (Scottish, 1859 - 1937)

The sculptor John Stevenson Rhind was active in Edinburgh from the late 1870s. He made a living from funerary monuments and portrait busts. Rhind exhibited regularly at the Royal Scottish Academy. His bronze statue of Queen Victoria (1907) is at the foot of Leith Walk and his Edward VII in Thistle Robes (1913) still stands in Victoria Park, Newhaven.