Matt Scudder, Academic Training Officer interviews Anna Simmons & Briony Hudson on the new three-day course ‘Art in Medicine & Pharmacy’.

MS: Why is the course unique?

Anna: London’s museums of medicine and pharmacy include amazing art collections. Run by the Centre for Health Studies at the Society of Apothecaries for the first time, this course gives participants the opportunity to explore multiple museums, think about how art is used in medicine and enjoy expert talks and tours from curators and historians.

Briony: Having the chance to spend time exploring such special places alongside a fascinating range of fellow delegates is a rare treat. Our strong connections with the host institutions means we can arrange privileged behind-the-scenes access that takes you way beyond a typical museum visit.

MS: Why did you get involved?

Anna: I’m an expert on the history of the Society of Apothecaries and passionate about sharing its rich history and collections with new audiences. I also run the Society’s longer history of medicine course and have published on various aspects of pharmacy history, drugs and apothecaries.

Briony: I’m a medical museum curator and pharmacy historian by background. Having been lucky enough to work in many of London’s brilliant medical museums, I’ve been organising these short, collections-based courses for the Society for about ten years.

MS: What are you most looking forward to?

Anna: I’m particularly looking forward to visiting the Museum of the Order of St John and hearing Elisa Sani talk about its collection of pharmacy jars. Made in Italy and used in the Order’s hospital in Malta, these beautiful ceramics have elaborate, decorative motifs relating to the Grand Masters of the Order and the medicinal contents of the jars. 

Briony: I always enjoy getting to know the people on the course and what their particular interests are. But I’m also really keen to visit the Museum of the Mind, as it’ll be my first time there, so it’s a chance to experience it alongside the course attendees.

Click here to reserve your place.