Rare photos of nursing pioneer Florence Nightingale to be auctioned
Rare and historic photographs of nursing pioneer Florence Nightingale, believed to be some of her final portraits, are set to be auctioned in London This extraordinary collection offers a unique glimpse into the life and legacy of the renowned English nurse
Images believed to be some of the final photographs of Florence Nightingale, alongside other items relating to the renowned English nurse, are set to be auctioned in London. The sepia-toned photos, captured by Eliza Francis "Fanny" Pettit, who was Nightingale's companion in her later years, depict the nurse seated in an armchair, as reported by the auction house Roseberys.
A photo from the sale shows Nightingale sitting in an armchair.
from Roseberys London
They measure just 5.9 x 5.9 centimeters (2.3 x 2.3 inches) and were taken around 1910. Nightingale died on August 13 of that year, at age 90.
Jack Wallis, a works of art specialist at Roseberys, informed CNN that the family history associated with these photographs suggests that they could be the last images of Nightingale. "We can confirm that they were captured in 1910, most likely in the last weeks or months of Nightingale's life," he stated. The photos were displayed at the Florence Nightingale Museum in London, providing further evidence of their authenticity, according to Wallis.
" Their personal and candid nature is what makes them special - informal shots captured for posterity by a close friend to remember a much-loved principal," he explained.
Born in 1820, Nightingale was an English nurse who was the first woman to receive the Order of Merit for her efforts in treating wounded soldiers during the 1853-1856 Crimean War. She became well-known as the "Lady with the Lamp" for her dedication to making nighttime rounds to check on patients. Afterward, Nightingale played a crucial role in establishing formal education for nurses by founding the Nightingale School of Nursing at St. Thomas Hospital in London in 1860.
May 12 is celebrated as International Nurses Day, in honor of Nightingale's birthday. Items available in the sale on Thursday include a travel teapot and silver-plated tea caddy that Nightingale gave to Pettit, along with a letter from Nightingale's housekeeper, Elizabeth Bosanquet, detailing Nightingale's final hours.
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In the letter, Bosanquet invited Pettit to visit "to look on Miss Nightingales peaceful face."
According to Roseberys, she quietly passed away at 2pm yesterday, resting on her pillows just as she had been placed the night before.
Bosanquet wrote, "It was a peaceful and merciful passing, and we are thankful that she slept away without suffering. We will all be better for her wonderful influence."
Wallis expressed that it is exceedingly unusual for a collection like this to be available for purchase, especially regarding a pivotal figure in British history like Florence Nightingale.
He also added, "The collection truly offers insight into Nightingale's persona and the final phase of her life."
It is expected to fetch £15,000-25,000 ($19,000-31,000) at auction.
