The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (including the collections of the Royal College of Midwives) holds unrivalled historical material relating to women’s healthcare – Archives, Museum and Rare Books. The collection includes sculptures and portraits of past presidents and eminent figures in obstetric, gynaecological and midwifery history.
A highlight is a largescale painting by Terence Cuneo, depicting the Queen opening the College’s previous home at Sussex Place. Another work – dating to the 17th century – is believed to be the oldest painting with a depiction of breastfeeding in the UK.
In 2019, the College converted a 19th-century hop warehouse and a 1980s office building, joined by a striking helical staircase, to form its new home in Union Street, near London Bridge. It is also the home of a number of other women’s health organisations.
The Heritage Collections can be viewed by prior appointment – please see our website for details, or contact us at heritage@rcog.org.uk
Dame Hilda Lloyd (1891–1982), DBE, President of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (1949–1952)Anthony Devas (1911–1958)
Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists
Professor Sir Stanley Clayton (1911–1986), President of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (1972–1975)Paul Fitzgerald (1922–2017)
Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists
Sir John Peel (1904–2005), KCVO, President of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (1966–1969)Edward Irvine Halliday (1902–1984)
Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists
Sir Ewen John Maclean (1865–1953), Kt, President of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (1935–1938)Robert Lyon (1894–1978)
Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists
Sir Rustam Feroze (1920–2010), President of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (1981–1984)Dennis Gilbert (b.1922)
Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists
Sir John Shields Fairbairn (1865–1944), President of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (1932–1935)John Bulloch Souter (1890–1971)
Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists
Professor W. Blair-Bell (1871–1936), Chairman of the Foundation Committee (1925–1929), First President of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (1929–1931)John Bulloch Souter (1890–1971)