George James Guthrie (1785-1856)
Reproduction
Object numberRCSSC/P 92
CollectionSpecial collections
CategorySculpture
Object nameBusts
TitleGeorge James Guthrie (1785-1856)
DescriptionBust of George James Guthrie by Edward Davis, 1856.
Looking slightly to his right, wearing side whiskers; draped in Roman style.
Guthrie made his name as a surgeon serving with the British Army in the Peninsula between 1807 and 1814, where he earned the commendation of the Duke of Wellington. He was appointed in 1812 to act as Deputy Inspector of Hospitals, but the Medical Board in London refused to confirm the appointment on the ground of his youth. He was placed on half pay at the end of the campaign, began to practise privately in London, and attended the lectures of Charles Bell and Benjamin Brodie at the Windmill Street School of Medicine. He hastened to Brussels directly after the Battle of Waterloo in June, 1815, was received enthusiastically by his former comrades, amputated at the hip with success, extracted a bullet from the bladder, and tied the peroneal artery by cutting down upon it through the calf muscles, the latter operation being afterwards known as ‘Guthrie’s bloody operation’.
In 1816 Guthrie was instrumental in establishing an Infirmary for Diseases of the Eye, which became ‘The Royal Westminster Ophthalmic Hospital’, long situated in King William Street, Strand, next to the Charing Cross Hospital, but removed in 1928 to Broad Street, Bloomsbury. Guthrie was appointed Surgeon and remained attached to the hospital until 1838, when he resigned in favour of his son. In 1823 he was elected Assistant Surgeon to Westminster Hospital, becoming full surgeon in 1827. He resigned his office in 1843, again to make way for his son. At the Royal College of Surgeons Guthrie was a Member of Council from 1824-1856, a Member of the Court of Examiners from 1828-1856, Chairman of the Midwifery Board in 1853, Hunterian Orator in 1830, Vice-President five times, and President in 1833, 1841, and 1854. He was Hunterian Professor of Anatomy, Physiology, and Surgery from 1828-1832. He was elected FRS in 1827.
Production date 1856
Artist
Sitter/subject
presented
Guthrie, Miss (1870)
Related objectsRCSSC/P 91
Physical Location
LocationNot on public display: contact museum for access conditions
Physical Information
Physical descriptionMarble, on a round socle, 77cm overall.
E. DAVIS SC. / LONDON.1856GUTHRIE
Dimensions
whole weight: 91 kg
