This new major exhibition presents art by and about nurses - revealing how they have been mythologised, frequently as saints, angels and heroes, usually as female, predominantly as white. It explores the role of art in constructing and also resisting such stereotypes, by exposing the complexity, labour and expertise of nursing, perhaps the most artful of professions.

A provocative introduction to a complex subject, the show integrates a range of photography, rare books, ephemera and artworks dating from the 19th century to the present day. Alongside our own collections, it features a select number of loans together with commissions by artists including Peter Liversidge and Rachel Mulligan.

This new permanent exhibition will launch at RCN London HQ on Thursday, 26 June 2025.