Weekly Demonstrations

Every Saturday at 11.30am*

What did people do before the invention of anaesthetic and antiseptic procedures?
Everyone is familiar with the red and white stripes outside of barber’s shops; but do you know what the rotating pole means?

*Booking is necessary for this talk and please check the programme or call for details as sometimes special events or private boolkings replace the regular talks on Saturdays.

Speed Surgery - Surgery in the 19th Century

Every Saturday 2.00pm*

A surgical demonstration presented within the original architecture of the old operating theatre of St. Thomas’s Hospital of 1822. Before the advent of anaesthesia, an operation had to be swift. Without hand-washing or antiseptics, the chance of later infection was high.

Herbs, the Garret and the Old Operating Theatre

Every Sunday 2.00pm*

In the past, medicines were made from plants, animals and even precious stones.
Learn how 'drugs' such as foxglove, myrrh and unicorn horns were used.
Examine real herbs in the attic space, originally used by the apothecary of St Thomas' Hospital.

*Please check the programme for details as sometimes special events replace the regular talks on Saturdays and Sundays at 2pm

Important notice: unfortunately we don't have a storage space for prams or a

cloakroom for luggage.

THE ODYSSEY OF CHOCOLATE

The Old Operating Theatre Museum & Herb Garret is celebrating the 350 year anniversary of the birth of Sir Hans Sloane, an entrepreneur, physician, philanthropist, botanist ...and a chocolate lover.

LOCAL HEROES

See further with the Royal Society in 2010 - celebrate 350 years of excellence in science

EVENTS FOR CHILDREN & FAMILIES:

Sir Hans Sloane: The Odyssey of Chocolate Workshop

Discover the fascinating story of chocolates long, rich history, from it's early usage by the ancient Aztecs, who drank chocolate as a bitter beverage during religious and social ceremonies, to the explosion and mass production of chocolate throughout Europe in the nineteenth century!

For centuries chocolate has symbolised: wealth: health and love across a diverse range of cultures as well as being the nations favourite tasty treat of choice. The odyssey of chocolate aims to explore many aspects of the rich social significance of chocolate's history!

The workshop is suitable for all ages and includes sampling the different variations of chocolate in it's modern form as well as designing your own chocolate label. The only requirement for entry; is a love of chocolate.

April

Tuesday 6^th, Thursday 8^th, Tuesday 13^th, Thursday 15^th April

June

Tuesday 1st & Thursday 3^rd June 2pm

July

Tuesday 27^th July 2pm

August

Tuesday 3^rd, Tuesday 10^th, Tuesday 17^th & Tuesday 24^th August 2pm

EVENING LECTURES:

£10 per person (including a complimentary glass of wine)

Sir Hans Sloane: Enlightenment Surgery

Thursday 1^st April 6pm-8pm

PUBLIC WALKS:

£10 per person (booking is required)

Sir Hans Sloane and Chelsea

Thursday 6^th May 6pm

(meeting at Sloane Square tube station)

A delightful walk around the history of Chelsea with a particular emphasis on the 18th Century and Sir Hans Sloane, who lived in the old Manor House and helped found the Chelsea Physic Garden. Led by Museumn Director, Kevin Flude.

Sir Hans Sloane: Bloomsbury and The British Museum

Thursday 3^rd June 6pm

(meeting at Russell Square tube station)

The walk, led by Museum Director Kevin Flude, introduces Bloomsbury in the 18th Century and looks at the origins of the British Museum and Sir Hans Sloane's role in the foundation. It ends with a tour of the highlights of Sloane's Collection in the Enlightenment Gallery led by a member of the British Museum curatorial staff.

Booking advised. Call 0207 188 2679

or email curator@thegarret.org.uk to reserve a place