General abstract
British Dental Journal 198, 299 - 305 (2005)
Published online: 12 March 2005 | doi:10.1038/sj.bdj.4812128
Science and technology in Turner's Georgian dentist's rooms
M Bishop1, S Gelbier2 & J King3
- Continues the description of the important historical record of Georgian dentistry found in the sketchbooks of J. M. W. Turner.
- Describes the technology found in a Georgian dentist's workroom.
- Suggests a model for Turner's drawings.
Abstract
Turner's painting of a dental surgeon's rooms, discussed in the first of these two papers,1 is a very satisfying work of art, successful in its relaying of a domestic drama, and also fulfilling Payne Knight's commission to produce a work to equal that of the older masters. It cannot, though, be relied upon to show us what a late Georgian dentist's rooms actually looked like. For this we are very fortunate to have Turner's sketchbook, with its preparatory drawings for the painting.
- Queen Anne House, 2a St Andrew Street, Hertford, SG14 1JA
- The Wellcome Trust Centre for the History of Medicine, 24 Eversholt Street, London NW1 1AD
- St Bart's and the Royal London, Department of Human Science and Medical Ethics, Turner Street, London E1 2AD.
Correspondence to: M Bishop1 Queen Anne House, 2a St Andrew Street, Hertford, SG14 1JA.