In Uniform: Stories of Nurses and their Clothing

The Fitzrovia Chapel is proud to announce its upcoming exhibition, In Uniform: Stories of Nurses and their Clothing, an insightful and moving exploration of the history and significance of nurses’ uniforms. Curated by Freya Bently and renowned textile historian Dr Jo Horton, this exhibition delves into the complex narratives woven into the fabrics, designs, and accessories that have adorned generations of nurses.

Set in a former hospital chapel, the exhibition reflects on the vital role nurses play in our society, with the uniform emerging as a powerful symbol of authority, care, and professionalism. Visitors are invited to explore their own connections to nurses and their attire, fostering a renewed respect for the materials and craftsmanship that have shaped the visual identity of the nursing profession.

In Uniform: Stories of Nurses and their Clothing examines the multifaceted nature of the nurse’s attire, tracing its evolution from ecclesiastical and military roots to modern, functional garments. Through carefully selected items such as the chatelaine, cap, collar, belt buckle, apron, and the iconic nurses’ cape, the exhibition reveals the practical, emotional, and social significance of these garments.

Special highlights include a striking piece from fashion designer Pam Hogg’s Spring/Summer 2024 Collection Apocalypse, juxtaposed with a World War I nurse’s uniform worn by Elizabeth Satchwell, providing a poignant contrast between past and present. The exhibition also features unique figurines by noted doll-makers Robin and Nell Dale, usually housed in the Royal College of Nursing archives.

Pam Hogg said: “The red cross image is iconic, it’s symbolic of trust and hope so it was my most immediate thought when I started designing my collection in November 2023. I had a feeling of impending doom, so I titled it Apocalypse, immediately visualising a glorious line of nurses as guardian angels emblazoned with this simple balanced and vitally recognisable insignia.”

The exhibition also sheds light on the lived experiences of nurses, from the rigorous dress codes enforced by figures such as the Fitzrovia Chapel’s own doyenne, Godiva Marian Thorold, to the subtle acts of subversion by nurses seeking comfort and personal expression within the constraints of their uniforms. Visitors will encounter stories of pride, discomfort, and adaptation, all underscored by the powerful connection between clothing and identity.

The Fitzrovia Chapel, once part of the Middlesex Hospital—a beloved training hospital that served central London for over 200 years—became a pilgrimage site for former nurses after the hospital was sold and demolished in 2006. This was the chief inspiration for the exhibition, as co-curator Freya Bently explained: “The returning nurses often reminisced about their time there, with stories of their uniforms serving as a common thread—recalling the folding of hats, being scolded for a skirt that was too short, or receiving a belt-buckle at graduation.”

The Fitzrovia Chapel aims to crystallise these anecdotes within the chapel, the last remaining building of the hospital. As the Middlesex and its strict clothing rules fade into history, the exhibition invites audiences to explore the sartorial shift from past to present and examine the contemporary image of the nurse. Despite the practical scrubs worn by nurses today, reference to the capes, crosses and caps of the past linger in fashion and media.

Madeleine Boomgaarden, Director of The Fitzrovia Chapel, said: “As a former hospital chapel, this exhibition of nurses’ uniforms is an important part of our history and the memories of so many nurses, doctors—and patients—who still visit the Fitzrovia Chapel.”

“We hope this exhibition will inspire a deeper appreciation of the role uniforms play, not just in professional settings, but in the broader cultural landscape. Nurses’ uniforms are more than just garments; they are symbols of resilience, compassion, and innovation,” added curator Jo Horton.

Now a heritage building and cultural arts venue, the Fitzrovia Chapel, once a religious space, continues to showcase icons in its exhibitions. In Uniform offers a thought-provoking examination of the iconic nurse’s uniform and the stories of those who wore it.

Private View is on 7 November 6pm to 9pm and the exhibition runs until 1 December 2024. Please send us an RSVP