About this Event
A relaxed and interactive evening event celebrating International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month. Artist and doctoral research Catherine James will introduce the history of women’s book ownership in the stunning RCP heritage library. Attendees will be invited to make their own keepsake ‘Her Book’ inspired and informed by James’ research, the RCP collections and the history of book production.
Registration, exhibition and refreshments are available from 6pm, the event begins at 6.30pm.
Refreshments and all materials included.
The current RCP exhibition A Body of Knowledge is accompanied by the art installation Making Visible and the display of a loaned portrait of Grace Pierrepont – both of which will be in the Dorchester Library until July 2026. These highlight some of the findings of James’ doctoral research project (‘Women’s Ownership of Tudor and Stuart Medical Knowledge’). The main objective of the work is to identify and document evidence of women’s ownership of, and engagement with, the early printed books in the RCP collection.
In addition to those owned by Grace Pierrepont, many other books in the collection were once owned by women. These books, featuring women’s ownership marks and inscriptions, will be available for guests to view up close and to handle in the Dorchester Library. The exhibition ‘A body of knowledge’ will also be open for viewing throughout the evening.
About Catherine James
Catherine James originally trained as an obstetrician and gynaecologist before completing a Fine Art Foundation diploma and an MA in the History of Art. Catherine's PhD project is funded by a collaborative award from London Arts and Humanities Partnership.
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Royal College of Physicians Museum, 11 Saint Andrews Place, London, United Kingdom
GBP 0.00
