Presidents Exhibition

The women who have shaped 100 years of nursing.

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This exhibition explores the remarkable women who have served as RCN president from 1922 to the present day. We reflect on stories of military service and inspirational leadership, with images from the RCN archives.

While the physical installation is at the RCN's London headquarters, we have created an online exhibition too so you can share the presidents' stories.

As Dame Sidney Browne said: “Put a high ideal before you, and your life will be for the betterment of the world.”

Sidney Browne, 1922–1925

Along with Sarah Swift, Sidney was involved in setting up the College of Nursing in 1916 and remained a founding member of the first Council until her retirement in 1927. She was the first Honorary Treasurer of the College as well as the inaugural President.

Sidney Browne

"Put a high ideal before you, and do your future service in a greater strength than your own, and your life will be the betterment of the world."

Sarah Swift

"The work of the College of Nursing ... has brought the influence of the nurses to bear on all questions relating to the interests of women, political and social."

Sarah Swift, 1925–1927

Having experienced the chaotic state of nurses’ training during the war, Sarah saw the need to protect the interests of nurses. She approached Sir Arthur Stanley of the British Red Cross to support her in founding a College of Nursing to pursue educational goals and to promote the passing of parliamentary bills affecting nursing.

Annie Warren Gill, 1927–1929

Annie was the fourth founding member to join the College of Nursing in 1916 and was largely responsible for the foundation of a Scottish Board of the College. She was the first Scottish Board Secretary, and founded the Scottish Matrons’ Association.

Annie Warren Gill

"At the end of a long nursing career I can say that the nurse's life is an extremely full and happy one, and few nurses would wish to change it for any other life."

Rachael Cox-Davies

"The help she has given to the nursing profession through the public work is incalculable." – Nursing Times

Rachael Cox-Davies, 1929–1930, 1934–1935

Rachael helped to shape the College’s educational policy for which it subsequently received a royal charter. She was also instrumental in the foundation of the Cowdray Club and the gift of the London headquarters building to the College. During her extensive nursing career she received a Royal Red Cross (1915) and bar (1919) and the Lady of Grace, Order of St John of Jerusalem (1910).

Margaret Sparshott, 1930–1933

A committed supporter of the College and state registration, Margaret had even begun a register of nurses at Manchester Royal Infirmary (MRI) and helped establish a Manchester Branch of the College. When she was appointed Lady Superintendent at MRI (1907) she immediately set out to improve the standards of the nursing school and the administration of the hospital.

Margaret Sparshott

"... the Matrons, as women of experience and knowledge should suggest, direct, and control the College."

Edith MacGregor Rome

"[She] was one of the most indefatigable workers, not only for the College, but for every project for the well-being of nurses, nursing and, more important still, the well-being of patients" – Nursing Times

Edith MacGregor Rome, 1933–1934, 1937–1938

Edith (centre) was a member of the College from 1916 and became Organising Secretary in 1920, developing the regional branches. She was later the first Secretary of the Student Nurses’ Association and an active Council member from 1931. During World War One she led a nursing unit of the British Red Cross Society into Romania and then onwards in 1918 to Russia and Serbia with Lady Muriel Paget’s unit.

Dorothy Coode, 1935–1937

Dorothy was particularly interested in professional nursing issues and took up several roles at the College, including President of the London Branch, Vice Chair of Council (1937-1940), Chair of Council (1940-1946) and President (1935-1937). She was awarded an OBE (1943) for her services to nurse education and politics, in particular her work with the College.

Dorothy Coode

"In 1939, during Dorothy Coode's time as Vice Chair of Council, the College of Nursing was granted the coveted prefix 'Royal' – enhancing the College's prestige."

Beatrice Marsh Monk

"Beatrice Marsh Monk was founder of The Royal London Hospital League of Nurses in 1931."

Beatrice Marsh Monk, 1938–1940

Beatrice spent her career at the London Hospital, where she become Matron from 1919-1931, working to reduce the hours worked by nurses and in favour of the move to a 48-hour week. She received a Royal Red Cross 1st class (Civil Division) (1920), a CBE (1929) and was appointed Commander of the Order of St John of Jerusalem (1931).

Mary Jones, 1940–1942

Mary joined the College of Nursing in 1918, one of few provincial matrons, starting a local branch of the College in Liverpool in 1928 where she was Branch Chair. In recognition of her services to nursing, Mary received an OBE (1937), and an honorary MA (1942) from the University of Liverpool.

Mary Jones

Mary Jones formed the Liverpool Royal Infirmary Nurses League in 1933 to uphold the honour, dignity and values of the profession and support the advancement of nursing practice.

Emily MacManus

"It is strange how in the midst of sordid or heart-breaking work and fatigue a sight or sound of beauty will unloose the tight heart-strings and bring a flood of content to the dry soul."

Emily MacManus, 1942–1944

Emily was actively involved in the College Council and the National Council of Nurses, as well as the General Nursing Council for England and Wales. In 1915 she joined the Civil Nursing Reserve, working with gas casualties and the influenza epidemic in the war zone just outside Rouen. During World War Two she went to Dover to receive the wounded of Dunkirk.

Mildred Hughes, 1944–1946

The maintenance of professional standards through good education influenced Mildred’s work as a member of the College of Nursing from 1918, later becoming President in 1944. A certified midwife and district nurse, she completed her general nurse training at Guy’s Hospital (1914-1917) and worked her way through the ranks at the Infants’ Hospital, Westminster, becoming Matron in 1928.

Mildred Hughes

"I am convinced that the best results in the nursing of our patients can be achieved only by the maintenance of a high standard of training."

Gladys Hillyers

"May I remind you that our strength lies in our Fellowship."

Gladys Hillyers, 1946–1948

Gladys contributed greatly to the work of the College of Nursing as a Council member from 1938-1948, Chair of the Education Committee from 1942-1945 and President from 1945 until her death in 1948. She was also appointed to the Committee of the Queen Alexandra’s Imperial Military Nursing Service and the Army Nursing Board, receiving an OBE (1942).

Louisa Wilkinson, 1948–1950

Louisa joined the Queen Alexandra’s Imperial Military Nursing Service (QAIMNS) and was awarded an Associate Royal Red Cross (1919) for her work during the war. She became Matron-in-Chief of the QAIMNS from 1944-1948. The service changed its name in 1949 to Queen Alexandra’s Royal Army Nursing Corps and she was appointed its first Controller Commandant.

Louisa Wilkinson

"If you do not seize your opportunities there are other people who will seize them for you, and you will find your affairs falling into other people's hands."

Lucy Duff Grant

"The work of the nurse today takes her far beyond the four walls of the hospital into a much wider sphere."

Lucy Duff Grant, 1950–1952

Lucy worked hard on the College’s Educational Fund Appeal and was President from 1950-1952 and President of the National Council of Nurses shortly before the two organisations amalgamated. During World War Two Lucy was Matron at Manchester Royal, caring for prisoners of war, and received the Royal Red Cross for her wartime work.

Lucy Ottley, 1952–1954

Lucy chaired the College’s Casualty and Accident Services Working Party and the Professional Association Committee in the early 1960s. Active in the General Nursing Council for England and Wales, Lucy was regional area representative for East Anglia and on the Registration Committee (1950-1952). In 1953 she received the Queen Elizabeth II Coronation Medal for her community contribution in Cambridge.

Lucy Ottley

"What an opportunity we have to guide the future of our profession, while maintaining the best traditions and standards of the past."

Sybil Bovill

Sybil Bovill worked during World War One as a member of the British Red Cross from August 1916 to February 1919.

Sybil Bovill, 1954-1956

Active as a Council member of the RCN through the 1940s until 1953 when she became President. Sybil was a director of the National Council of Nurses and a Regional Hospital Area representative for Wales on the General Nursing Council for England and Wales and a member of the Education and Examination Committee.

Gertrude Godden, 1956–1958

Known for her personal touch with patients as well as her energy and humour, Gertrude was a College Council member for many years. She travelled to every area of the UK to meet individual members. Gertrude was Matron of Hammersmith Hospital and was responsible for the London Postgraduate Medical School.

Gertrude Godden

"The prestige of the glorious heritage of nursing is maintained by the Royal College to which we are proud to belong."

Marjorie Marriott

"It must surely give visible proof to the patient, and above all to nurses, that 'their matron' still retains the devotion to nursing that first led her into the profession."

Marjorie Marriott, 1958–1960, 1962–1963

Marjorie became President twice and presided over its union with the National Council of Nurses in 1963. During World War Two she was Matron of the Guy’s Hospital evacuated unit at Orpington, responsible for long-term patients, military and air raid casualties, and nurse training. After she retired, she represented British nursing at the World Health Organization in Geneva.

Margaret Smyth, 1960–1962

Margaret was involved with the College as Chair of the Establishment and General Purposes Committee before her election as President from 1960-1962, a period which saw the General Register of Nurses open to male nurses and the RCN membership widen as a result.

Margaret Smyth

"It is not the gallant acts in life that take courage, it is the courage to face the discipline of daily routine."

Mabel Gordon Lawson

"In the long run, our health service will be judged by the amount of sickness it prevents, rather than by the amount it cures."

Mabel Gordon Lawson, 1963–1964

During World War Two, Mabel worked as a medical officer at the Military Hospital in Bolton and afterwards as a GP. However, she found that her main interest lay in nursing and changed career, training at St Thomas’ Hospital. After the war, she was seconded to Germany to help re-establish the German nursing service.

Florence Udell, 1964–1966

Florence became a College Council member in 1950 and Honorary Nurse Treasurer in 1959. She led the College’s working parties on the extension of College membership in 1959 and the Royal Charter in 1961. During the 1960s, Florence was an ICN consultant on economic welfare. She received an MBE (1941), OBE (1958) and a CBE (1968).

Florence Udell

"Every registered nurse in this country could and should play a part in the future development of the profession and in the possible changes which are envisaged."

Theodora Turner

"[Her] career ... illustrates the power and scope of strong nursing leadership." – Guardian Obituaries

Theodora Turner, 1966–1968

Theodora trained as a midwife at the Radcliffe Infirmary. When World War Two broke out, she joined the Queen Alexandra’s Imperial Military Nursing Service. She was involved in the evacuation from Dunkirk and served in Iran and Libya. In Bari, Italy, she survived a mustard gas attack and dealt with heavy casualties. For this work she was awarded the Associate Red Cross.

Mary Blakeley, 1968–1972

Mary was a member of the College’s Occupational Health Central Scotland Committee (1957-1964). In 1937, she took a post at St Andrew’s Hospital in London, where she also decided to train as an industrial nurse. She later became Superintendent at Slough Industrial Nursing Service, a pioneering role covering workers in 300 factories.

Mary Blakeley

"Nurses are now expected to do much more than look after the sick. They are concerned in preventative work and in all the health problems of the environment."

Winifred Prentice

Winifred Prentice was awarded an OBE for services to British cultural and academic interests in Greece.

Winifred Prentice, 1972–1976

A ward sister at East Suffolk and Ipswich Hospital, Winifred went on to do the Sister Tutor qualification at the RCN and was appointed to run teaching at King’s Lynn Hospital. During World War Two she worked at Strathcathro Hospital (an Emergency Medical Service Hospital). After the war she wanted to work for the United Nations Relief and Rehabilitation Agency in Greece, but she was asked to remain in the UK as her expertise was needed as sister tutor.

Eirlys Rees, 1976–1980

Eirlys began her career as a theatre sister in London through the bombings of World War Two. Sociable and forthright, by 1967 she was the Chair of the RCN Nurse Administrators Section Committee and Chair of the RCN’s first annual meeting.

Eirlys Rees

"If people are to receive the health service they have been led to expect – care and treatment free at the time if need – the NHS must be adequately financed."

Marian Morgan

"It is nursing which is special, and anyone who performs the function of nursing in a competent way is very special indeed – but putting on a nurse's uniform doesn't make them so."

Marian Morgan, 1980–1982

A strong trade unionist, and secretary of her Student Nurses’ Association branch, Marian was a surprise Presidential candidate. She was the first President elected by the full membership rather than Council.

Sheila Quinn, 1982–1986

Elected Chair of the student nurses’ section of the RCN’s Lancaster Branch in 1944, Sheila remained very active within the College. She was Deputy President (1973-1974) and President for two terms. She received a CBE (1978), DBE (1987) and the Christiane Reimann Prize (1993). After her retirement she worked for the Dreyfus Health Foundation.

Sheila Quinn

"Problem solving and critical thinking are universally important nursing skills."

Maude Storey

"We still don't talk together sufficiently – we tend to look up and down a line to communicate, not sideways. The factor binding us all together is that we are all in a caring role."

Maude Storey, 1986–1990

Following her training, Maude returned to Wigan as a domiciliary midwife in 1953. She became a theatre sister, then a Clinical Instructor at Wigan Infirmary (1959-1968) and a member of the Wigan Health Authority, where she was later appointed Regional Nursing Officer. As a tutor, she was involved with the first graduate course for nurses at Manchester University.

June Clark, 1990–1994

After qualifying, June worked as a health visitor and remained in community nursing as a manager, professor, and political advocate for nearly 40 years. Involved in nursing at an international level, June helped develop nursing leadership in Kazakhstan and Romania. In 1995 she was awarded a DBE for her services to nursing.

June Clark

"We need now to use our expertise, and professional self-confidence to promote the core of nursing practice ... which is the raison d'etre of all our activities."

Betty Kershaw

"I have been involved with the education groups at the RCN for many years, and have always been impressed by the commitment of those who chose to be activists."

Betty Kershaw, 1994–1998

Most recently Professor of Nursing and Dean at the School of Nursing and Midwifery, at the University of Sheffield. Betty previously held senior posts at the University of Manchester’s School of Nursing and Midwifery and at Stockport, Tameside and Glossop School of Nursing.

Christine Watson, 1998–2000

Christine was shop steward in the College’s oldest branch (Plymouth, founded in 1918). She became Deputy President in 1994, was re-elected in 1996 and then became President in 1999. She retired from her nursing career in the NHS in 1994, having worked mostly in the specialisms of elderly care and psychiatry for 30 years.

Christine Watson

"We are building a future together for all nurses. We are stronger when we stand together, and as nurses we are stronger because of our diversity."

Roswyn Hakesley Brown

"Sometimes we need to look at things afresh and take risks – clearly not take risks with patients, but with the way we work."

Roswyn Hakesley Brown, 2000–2002

During her time as President of the RCN, Roswyn initiated and led the Presidential Task Force for Nurse Education. A major recommendation of this task force was that graduate preparation for nurses at the point of registration be expanded to all of the UK.

Sylvia Denton, 2002–2006

Sylvia practised in the area of thoracic medicine, becoming a research sister and clinical nurse specialist. She was made a Fellow of the RCN in 1990 for her pioneering and innovative work in the field of breast care nursing, then in 1996 she received an OBE for her services to nursing.

Sylvia Denton

"By working in partnership, we can ensure nurses continue to be a powerful force in the pursuit of quality patient care."

Maura Buchanan

"We [nurses] constantly evolve, we constantly modernise, we constantly change and adapt."

Maura Buchanan, 2006–2010

Maura was senior nurse at the Oxford Radcliffe, and was previously the RCN’s Deputy President for four years. Maura began a nursing career after graduating from Glasgow Caledonian University, followed by two years working as a research assistant at Glasgow University. She specialised in Neurosurgical Nursing and has Post Graduate Diplomas in Clinical Neurosciences and Health Law.

Andrea Spyropoulos, 2010–2014

With more than 30 years’ nursing experience, including working as a midwife and then a senior lecturer, Andrea also held a number of other roles within the organisation, including positions as safety representative, Council member and chair of the Nursing Practice and Policy Committee, before being elected President in 2010.

Andrea Spyropoulos

"A culture of ownership is the only way we can deliver for patients everywhere. Until we get culture right and empower our nurses to deliver, nothing else matters."

“It is fascinating to learn about the achievements of these remarkable women. I feel proud to be in such auspicious company.”

Cecilia Anim RCN President

Page last updated - 03/08/2019