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Matron Collection (#4)

"Matron: A Symbol of Authority and Care throughout History" From the bustling wards at King's College to the humble Union Workhouse in Thame, Oxfordshire

Background imageMatron Collection: For a Matron

For a Matron
FOR A MATRON

Background imageMatron Collection: WOMENs FASHION, c1910. American woman, one Jane Jennings, photographed at a Brooklyn studio

WOMENs FASHION, c1910. American woman, one Jane Jennings, photographed at a Brooklyn studio, c1910

Background imageMatron Collection: MASS WEDDING, c1900. 20 couples from the Richmond area, photographed on their arrival

MASS WEDDING, c1900. 20 couples from the Richmond area, photographed on their arrival in Washington, D.C.for a mass wedding arranged by a Mrs. Gill, c1900

Background imageMatron Collection: ELLIS ISLAND, 1921. A matron of the Health Department and a policeman examining

ELLIS ISLAND, 1921. A matron of the Health Department and a policeman examining incoming immigrants at the immigration station in New York Harbor, 17 March 1921

Background imageMatron Collection: China - a Chinese Matron and Servant

China - a Chinese Matron and Servant. A Chinese-produced Greetings Card produced specifically for Mr and Mrs Mackenzie of 45 Darville Road, Stoke Newington, London Date: 1905

Background imageMatron Collection: Virgin Vinegar - Cruel labelling of a stern Victorian lady

Virgin Vinegar - Cruel labelling of a stern Victorian lady
In the Bars and Streets. Cartoon drawing by Phil May depicting a late middle-aged woman with a severe expression, placed somewhat pointedly on a pavement as a horse omnibuspasses

Background imageMatron Collection: Nurses attending a recruiting service at St Michaels Parish Church, Wilmington, Kent

Nurses attending a recruiting service at St Michaels Parish Church, Wilmington, Kent. 1948

Background imageMatron Collection: Mr E W Meyerstein, the High Sherrif of Kent, speaking to some young patients in

Mr E W Meyerstein, the High Sherrif of Kent, speaking to some young patients in the old wing of the Livingstone Hospital in Dartford, Kent

Background imageMatron Collection: Master of view of Sainte Gudule (15th century). St Elizabeth of Hungary (1207-31)

Master of view of Sainte Gudule (15th century). St Elizabeth of Hungary (1207-31), St Catherine of Alexandria (d.307)), St Rosalie (13th century) of Padua receiving rose from the Virgin

Background imageMatron Collection: St Felicitas. Roman matron, martyred 164 for Christian beliefs, having first witnessed

St Felicitas. Roman matron, martyred 164 for Christian beliefs, having first witnessed death of her seven sons. Engraving

Background imageMatron Collection: Cornelia, Mother of the Gracchi, 1795. Joseph Benois Suvee (1843-1807) French painter

Cornelia, Mother of the Gracchi, 1795. Joseph Benois Suvee (1843-1807) French painter. Cornelia, Ancient Roman matron who, widowed, devoted herself to educating her jewels, her children Gaius

Background imageMatron Collection: A Rangoon Matron

A Rangoon Matron
A RANGOON MATRON

Background imageMatron Collection: Marble statue portraying Roman matron, from colony of Cirta, Algeria

Marble statue portraying Roman matron, from colony of Cirta, Algeria
Roman civilization. Marble statue portraying a Roman matron. From the colony of Cirta, Algeria

Background imageMatron Collection: Roman civilization, relief portraying lady having her hair styled, from Neumagen-Dhron, Germany

Roman civilization, relief portraying lady having her hair styled, from Neumagen-Dhron, Germany
Roman civilization, 2nd century A.D. Relief portraying a lady having her hair styled. From Neumagen-Dhron. Germany

Background imageMatron Collection: First World War first aid station C013 / 7616

First World War first aid station C013 / 7616
First World War first aid station. Voluntary aid detachment (VAD) dressing station on the British Western Front, France. At left a nurse is bandaging a soldiers arm

Background imageMatron Collection: Blind spinning girl - Rangoon

Blind spinning girl - Rangoon - Kemmendine School for the Blind I asked if the girls would let me take their pictures and the matron spread a mat under a tree

Background imageMatron Collection: Staff at Launceston Union Workhouse, Cornwall

Staff at Launceston Union Workhouse, Cornwall
A group portrait of the staff of the Launceston Union workhouse in Cornwall with the master, third from right, and matron, second from right. Date: circa 1911

Background imageMatron Collection: CORNELIA (fl. 2nd century B. C. ). Roman matron. Line and stipple engraving, 19th century

CORNELIA (fl. 2nd century B. C. ). Roman matron. Line and stipple engraving, 19th century, after a painting
CORNELIA (fl. 2nd century B.C.). Roman matron. Line and stipple engraving, 19th century, after a painting

Background imageMatron Collection: Barnardos Home for Little Incurables, Bradford, Yorkshire

Barnardos Home for Little Incurables, Bradford, Yorkshire
The Matron, nurses and children at the Dr Barnardos Home for Little Incurables at Bradford, Yorkshire. One child is in a bath-chair, another sits on a tricycle. Date: 1908

Background imageMatron Collection: Prison Chief Warder And Matron

Prison Chief Warder And Matron
Chief Warder at Pentonville and Matron at Brixton Prison. Date: 1862

Background imageMatron Collection: Matron at Oundle workhouse

Matron at Oundle workhouse
The Matron at Oundle workhouse, Northamptonshire. Date: 1896

Background imageMatron Collection: Racial Types Germany

Racial Types Germany
Women of Cologne of various classes: maidservant, matron & a middle class woman. All wear long white aprons & ruffs. Date: 1644

Background imageMatron Collection: French Nurses 1930S

French Nurses 1930S
A matron and a nurse attending to bedridden patients in one of the wards of the Marie Curie Hospital, Paris, France. Date: early 1930s

Background imageMatron Collection: Hospital Meals

Hospital Meals
The Senior Nurse gets the plates ready whilst the junior nurses begin to dish up a meal from metal tureens at Queen Marys Hospital, Sidcup, Kent, England. Date: 1960s

Background imageMatron Collection: Front entrance, NIPRCC East Harling, Norfolk

Front entrance, NIPRCC East Harling, Norfolk
A woman in nurses uniform at the front entrance of the East Harling, Norfolk, branch of the National Institutions for Persons Requiring Care and Control

Background imageMatron Collection: Elderly women inmates over 90, Holborn Union Workhouse

Elderly women inmates over 90, Holborn Union Workhouse
A group of five elderly female inmates, all aged over 90, enjoy a cup of tea at what is thought to be the Holborn Union workhouse at Merton Lane, Mitcham, Surrey

Background imageMatron Collection: Married Inmates Quarters, Holborn Union Workhouse, Mitcham

Married Inmates Quarters, Holborn Union Workhouse, Mitcham
Married inmates quarters at what is believed to be the Holborn Union workhouse at Merton Lane, Mitcham, Surrey. This type of accommodation was reserved for couples both of whom were over 60

Background imageMatron Collection: Manual of Workhouse Cookery, cover

Manual of Workhouse Cookery, cover
The cover of a well used copy of the Manual of Workhouse Cookery, marked Matrons Use in the top left corner. The book was published in 1901 alongside a major revision of workhouse diets

Background imageMatron Collection: Nurse and matron at the Medical Centre, Hendon

Nurse and matron at the Medical Centre, Hendon
Scene at the Metropolitan Police Medical Centre, Hendon, north west London, showing a matron sitting at her desk while a nurse stands respectfully behind her

Background imageMatron Collection: Nurse, doctor and patient at the Medical Centre, Hendon

Nurse, doctor and patient at the Medical Centre, Hendon
Scene at the Metropolitan Police Medical Centre, Hendon, north west London, with a nurse (probably matron) and a doctor attending to a patient

Background imageMatron Collection: Matrons Block, Poplar Union Schools, Essex

Matrons Block, Poplar Union Schools, Essex
Matrons Block of the Poplar Schools, established in 1906 between Shenfield and Hutton, near Brentwood, Essex, to house pauper children away from the workhouse

Background imageMatron Collection: Eye Test at School / 1958

Eye Test at School / 1958
Young school children having their eyes tested by the matron

Background imageMatron Collection: Evacuees and Matron

Evacuees and Matron
Young children carrying their own suitcases and belongings down steps. They are leaving the kindly matron who has been their temporary carer, for evacuation to the countryside

Background imageMatron Collection: Waiting to Evacuate

Waiting to Evacuate
A matron who has temporarily looked after a group of young children watches over them as they sit on steps with their belongings packed, ready to be evacuated to the country

Background imageMatron Collection: Matron & Evacuees

Matron & Evacuees
Young children carrying their own suitcases and belongings down steps. They are leaving the kindly matron who has been their temporary carer, for evacuation to the countryside

Background imageMatron Collection: Lunchtime at Nursery

Lunchtime at Nursery
Small children being taught to eat correctly at a North London nursery school. During the fine weather, meals are taken outside

Background imageMatron Collection: Womens Rights - United

Womens Rights - United
Unity is strength ! - the young sporty girl, the wealthy matron, the young working girl and the mum of the people, join hands in the good cause of womens emancipation

Background imageMatron Collection: Nightingale as Matron

Nightingale as Matron
FLORENCE NIGHTINGALE as matron in a Harley Street clinic Date: 1820 - 1910

Background imageMatron Collection: Fire Drill 1930S

Fire Drill 1930S
All saved! The importance of learning a fire drill is fully realised by those in charge of Childrens Homes. Here waifs and strays practice using a sheet as a fire escape




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"Matron: A Symbol of Authority and Care throughout History" From the bustling wards at King's College to the humble Union Workhouse in Thame, Oxfordshire, matrons have long been a pillar of strength and compassion in healthcare settings. In Market Harborough, Leicestershire, another Union workhouse witnessed their unwavering dedication. Even outside hospitals, matrons left an indelible mark. Nancy Lancaster and Clementine Churchill exemplified their influence beyond medical facilities. Matrons like them commanded respect and admiration for their tireless efforts. During times of war, matrons played a crucial role on the frontlines. King George V himself recognized their importance during battlefront visits - a testament to their invaluable contribution to soldiers' well-being. Dame Ethel Becher's stamp as a matron cannot be overstated either. Her leadership inspired countless nurses under her tutelage while leaving an enduring legacy within the profession. In 1958, even eye tests were conducted under the watchful eye of a diligent matron who ensured patients received proper care for their vision health. The guidance provided by experienced matrons extended beyond medical tasks; they also instructed nurses with wisdom accumulated over years of service. Artistic representations further immortalize these figures. Francisco de Goya's "Allegory of the Villa of Madrid" captured both the authority and nurturing nature associated with being a matron. Similarly, in Pompeii's Villa of Mysteries in Italy, murals depicted scenes that showcased maternal care reminiscent of dedicated matrons. Not confined solely to healthcare settings or historical contexts, even everyday life bore witness to these remarkable women. An overdressed Edwardian matron on Queen's Road tube station stood out amidst ordinary commuters - a symbol of elegance combined with purposefulness. Finally, Mr and Mrs Alfred Mager from Edgworth epitomized how society revered such individuals as they posed proudly alongside this esteemed figurehead.