Clothes for Work

Recognizable nurses' uniforms date from the mid nineteenth century, as introduced by Florence Nightingale in her famous and pioneering work in the troop hospitals during the Crimea War. Simple washable white cotton frocks with full length aprons and caps became the accepted norm, worn with warm woollen capes when outdoors. Outfits for different hospitals varied only in details of colour and styling so that this uniform dating from 1918, just after the First World War, is typical and was worn by all nurses at St Bartholomew's hospital in central London.

Jess Gaunt wore this uniform from 1918 until her marriage to Arthur Dean in 1925. Born in 1897, the daughter of a farmer in Northwich in Cheshire, she left school aged 14 and worked during the First World War in the voluntary service (VAD) near Tarporley, also in Cheshire. After this experience, she enrolled in 1918 in St Bartholomew's hospital in London for the 4 year course in nursing. Such training was arduous and poorly paid, indeed, she was allowed only 10 shillings a year beyond her board and lodging. Graduating in 1922, Jess only practiced for 3 years before getting married and giving up her career, the typical course for many lower middle class women at that time.

Full item descriptions:

"St Bartholomew's nurses dress" [1983.579/1], Scott, Julia
"St Bartholomew's nurses uniform cape" [1983.579/2]
"nurse's apron" [1983.579/4]