Sir Trevor McDonald officially opened the Mary Seacole Bicentenary exhibition at the Florence Nightingale Museum this morning, amid a flurry of excitement and celebration. Praising her bravery, single mindedness and determination, and calling her a pioneer, Sir Trevor cut the red ribbon as Baroness Jocelyn Barrows, Patricia Moberly (chairman of the St. Guy's and St. Thomas NHS Foundation Trust), Sylvia Denton (president of the Royal College of Nursing) and other guests looked on. Dressed as the great lady in 19th century dress was the actress Nina Baden-Semper, whose appearance gave a real sense of authenticity to the proceedings. I asked her what it was about Mary Seacole that she admired the most, and she said, 'Everything! Here was a woman who travelled thousands of miles from her home to do her part for Britain - she never even thought about it. She had the skills to make a difference and she used them so well. I don't think anybody can imagine how hard it must have been for her - she must have been such a tough woman'.
The exhibition also featured work by children from Walnut Tree Walk School in South London. Jenny Mollergren of the museum told me that by and large, the children knew more about Mary Seacole than the parents. 'You often find that it's the children that are teaching the adults about Mary', she said.
The exhibition tells the story of Mary's experiences in the Crimea, how she would often go onto the battlefield to give food, bandages and comfort to the soldiers. There is also a cabinet filled with the herbs that she probably used to make her medicines. On a more personal note, there is a display of flamboyant hats, as she was rather fond of bright clothes and hats.
The exhibition is a key element of the bicentenary of Seacole's birth, and there will be more events throughout the year.

Nina Baden-Semper, dressed as Mary Seacole and Dame Jocelyn Barrows. Ms. Baden-Semper is best known for her role in the 70s comedy Love thy Neighbour, and Brothers and Sisters. Before becoming an actress, she trained as a nurse.

 

Sir Trevor McDonald giving his speech

Sir Trevor and Nina Baden-Semper, old friends

Nina Baden-Semper, Jenny Mollergren of the Florence Nightingale Museum, Sir trevor and Dame Jocelyn Barrows

Nina Baden-Semper, looking reflective as she stands in front of Mary Seacole's portrait

 

Sir Trevor with Patricia Moberly and the director of the museum

 

Professor Elizabeth Anionwu, Head of the Mary Seacole Centre for Nursing Practice at Thames Valley University and founder member of the Mary Seacole Memorial Statue Appeal

 

Patrick Vernon, founder of Every Generation with Sir Trevor

 

 

The Florence Nightingale Museum is on the grounds of St. Thomas' Hospital, 2 Lambeth Palace Road, London SE1 7EW. Nearest tube: Waterloo

** on Saturday 14th May there will be the annual Seacole Commemorative Service and Wreath Laying at the Chapel of St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery, Harrow Road NW10 at 11am. Nearest tube: Kensal Green

Page last modified:
© Copyright of Every Generation 2003. Privacy Policy