Bust

John Hunter bust - Tooting

Inscription

{On a plaque attached to the front of the plinth:}
John Hunter, 1728 - 1793
Anatomist, surgeon, researcher, author, collector and teacher.

John Hunter was born in Long Calderwood near Glasgow and left school at the age of 13. He travelled to London and attended surgical classes at St George's and St Bartholomew's Hospitals. He was a pupil and house surgeon at St George’s Hospital from 1754 – 1756, and in 1768 was appointed to the staff as a surgeon. He was a distinguished teacher and amongst his students was Edward Jenner. He understood the importance of research and is quoted as advising Jenner, “Don’t think, try the experiment”. It is said he found surgery as a mechanical art and left it as an experimental science. Hunter suffered from angina pectoris and declared “My life is in the hands of any rascal that chooses to annoy or tease me”. He collapsed and died in 1793 at a meeting of St George’s Board of Governors at which he was involved in a heated discussion over the admission of students.
Sculptor: Sir Alfred Gilbert

This is a far better sculpture than our photo shows. Two versions of this bust exist at St George's: this one and one outside, on an arch that was brought here from the Hyde Park site.

Site: St George's Hospital - Hunter and Jenner (4 memorials)

SW17, St George's Hospital, Hunter Wing

The corridor with the two busts, plaque and glass display area is on the ground floor of the Hunter wing.

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This section lists the subjects commemorated on the memorial on this page:
John Hunter bust - Tooting

Subjects commemorated i

John Hunter

Pioneer anatomist and surgeon. Born in East Kilbride, Scotland. He left schoo...

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This section lists the subjects who helped to create/erect the memorial on this page:
John Hunter bust - Tooting

Created by i

Sir Alfred Gilbert

Sculptor and goldsmith.  Born 13 Berners Street.  Eloped with his first cousi...

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E. J. Parlanti

Bronze founder. Ercole Felipo Giacomo Parlanti was born in Rome. He and his o...

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This section lists the other memorials at the same location as the memorial on this page:
John Hunter bust - Tooting

Also at this site i

Edward Jenner bust - Tooting

Edward Jenner bust - Tooting

{On a plaque attached to the front of the plinth:} Edward Jenner MD FRS, 1749...

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John Hunter statue - Tooting

John Hunter statue - Tooting

{On a nearby information board:} The statue of Hunter is a copy of a sculptur...

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St George's Hospital - Tooting

St George's Hospital - Tooting

This plaque commemorates the opening of St George's Hospital and Medical Scho...

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