Celebrating the life of Lister

King’s is hosting an exhibition marking the centenary of the death of the surgeon Joseph Lister, whose pioneering use of antiseptic surgery makes him one of our most celebrated medical scientists.

Lister was Professor of Clinical Surgery at King’s from 1877 to 1893 where he gradually persuaded fellow staff of the need to apply science to antisepsis and ensure it became part of surgical practice. His career later saw him appointed President of the Royal Society in 1905.

Lister’s most celebrated innovation was that of antiseptic surgery. He promoted practices of promoting sterility in the surgical field before, during and after an operation.

The exhibition ‘Learning from Lister’ showcases a variety of personal effects including Lister’s watch, pen, surgical instrument case and walking stick alongside books, drawings, photos, documents and artifacts associated with him. A carbolic spray canister devised by Lister is also on display as part of the presentation in the Weston Room of King’s Maughan Library.

Material on show is primarily drawn from collections at King’s, but items have also been loaned by the Royal College of Surgeons of England, the Science Museum and University College London Art Museum. The exhibition is being supported by the King’s College Hospital Charity.

A conference, also called ‘Learning from Lister’, (22 to 24 March) will complement the exhibition. Organised by Professor Brian Hurwitz, Director of the Centre for the Humanities and Health, the conference will explore Lister’s life, methods and ideas and his lasting impact on medicine and surgical practice.

The exhibition is taking place until Saturday 14 April in the Weston Room at the Maughan Library and is open between 09:30-17:00, Monday to Saturday.