Exhibition of Singleton's history and health provision in Swansea following surprise discovery
An unexpected discovery has uncovered a treasure trove of historical artefacts detailing health care within Swansea.
A recent reorganisation of shelves in Singleton Hospital’s library revealed two boxes containing old photographs, newspaper cuttings and other items, which are now being prepared for an exhibition to share with staff and visitors.
They provide fascinating insights into the history of not only Singleton Hospital, but also the old general hospital which pre-dated it.
The exhibition, entitled 'An Incomplete History of Hospitals and Health in Swansea,’ highlights the development of health provision within the city, as well as a nostalgic look at the people and places that have shaped Singleton Hospital and the NHS locally.
Library assistant Stephen Hedges said: “We came across the two boxes while we were sorting out some shelving and they were full of memorabilia which had obviously been looked after and stored away safely.
“There were paper cuttings and photographs revealing the history not only of the library but also of the hospital and health care in Swansea in general.
“The Singleton Hospital library was opened in 1968 by the Duchess of Kent, and there were photos of her visit, and a visitors book filled with all sorts of well-known names, such as politicians Barbara Castle and former speaker of the House of Commons George Thomas, as well as Max Boyce and David Prowse, who played Darth Vader in Star Wars.
“They give a fascinating insight into the past, so we decided to share them in an exhibition.”
Other items include books by the first Surgeon General for Swansea, Edward Osler, dating from 1815; medical books from the late 19th century featuring anatomy plate drawings and detailing dissections of the skin; Two volumes on the life of Florence Nightingale; The spirit level used to set Singleton Hospital’s foundation stone in 1958 and various newspaper cuttings and old photographs.
Staff and visitors to the Hospital will be most welcome to visit the staff library on the First Floor above the main reception and see the exhibition during normal office hours.
Some of the more fragile items have been removed following the launch in order to preserve them.
Rydym yn croesawu gohebiaeth a galwadau ffôn yn y Gymraeg neu'r Saesneg. Atebir gohebiaeth Gymraeg yn y Gymraeg, ac ni fydd hyn yn arwain at oedi. Mae’r dudalen hon ar gael yn Gymraeg drwy bwyso’r botwm ar y dde ar frig y dudalen.
We welcome correspondence and telephone calls in Welsh or English. Welsh language correspondence will be replied to in Welsh, and this will not lead to a delay. This page is available in Welsh by clicking ‘Cymraeg’ at the top right of this page.