Russell Brock (1903-1980)
Reproduction
Object numberRCSSC/P 445
CollectionSpecial collections
CategoryVisual works
Object nameOil paintings, Portraits
TitleRussell Brock (1903-1980)
DescriptionA portrait of Lord Russell Brock, by Carlos Luis Sancha, signed, 1974.
Three quarter length, seated, full face. The sitter wears the gown and badge of the President of the College over a blue-grey suit jacket, dark waistcoat and white shirt with a pale blue patterned tie. Behind his left shoulder is a coloured bronchial cast in a wooden-framed case: this illustrates the segmental anatomy of the bronchial tree, one of Brock's most important areas of research. His work is further referenced in the book held in his right hand, which is titled 'The Anatomy of the Bronchial Tree'. In the top left hand corner of the painting is a coat of arms, consisting of two animals - perhaps guinea pigs? - over a heart and crown.
Brock entered Guy's Hospital medical school in 1921 and qualified LRCP and MRCS in 1926. He was appointed demonstrator in anatomy and in pathology at Guy's, and passed the final FRCS examination in 1929. He subsequently worked in the United States, where he developed his interest in thoracic surgery. From 1936 to 1968 he was appointed surgeon to Guy's and the Brompton hospitals. Brock played a major part in the development of cardiac surgery in Britain. He served on the Council of the College from 1949 to 1967 and was President in 1963-6. He was knighted in 1954 and elevated to a life peerage in 1965. On retirement from his hospital appointments in 1968 he continued in private practice for a while, and he also became director of the department of surgical sciences at the Royal College of Surgeons.
The portrait was commissioned after an earlier portrait by Gerald Kelly apparently attracted some criticism from Brock's friends. Although the poses are different, the accoutrements are identical.
Production date 1974
Sitter/subject
presented
Related objectsRCSSC/P 433
Physical Location
LocationOn public display in RCS England's London headquarters
Physical Information
Physical descriptionOil on canvas, 92.5cm by 78.5cm. In gilt wooden frame, unglazed, 108cm by 93cm.
C Sancha / 1974THE RT. HON. THE LORD BROCK / PRESIDENT 1963 – 1966 / PRESENTED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF SURGERY, / GUY’S HOSPITAL MEDICAL SCHOOL.
