WHEN I AM NO LONGER A MEMORY (ODE TO FLORENCE NIGHTINGALE) - Framed

Original Cyanotype, handmade paper with 24-carat gold leaf and 6- carat white gold.

Handmade recycled cotton rag paper:
320gsm / 100% Cotton Rag / Recycled / Acid Free / Medium Rough

Inspiration
This artwork was inspired by Florence Nightingale. An iconic figure in Victorian culture, a social reformer, statistician and revolutionary in professional modern nursing.

2020 was the 200th anniversary of the birth of Florence Nightingale, probably the world's best known nurse. To mark the occasion the NHS has named it Year of the Nurse and Midwife. This is a tribute to her work and to the work of all healthcare workers especially at this time.

Florence Nightingale is considered an icon for both feminism and nursing. She made significant contributions to both fields during her lifetime, which spanned from 1820 to 1910 in which she challenged traditional gender roles and expectations imposed on women in the 19th century.

Nightingale broke gender barriers and defied societal norms by pursuing a career in nursing, which was predominantly seen as a male profession at the time. She overcame societal expectations and paved the way for women to enter the nursing profession. Emphasizing the importance of education and employment opportunities for women, she believed that women had the capability to contribute to society beyond domestic roles. Her work inspired many women to pursue careers in nursing and other professions.

Nightingale advocated for women's rights and equal access to education and employment by highlighting the inequalities faced by women and promoting their inclusion in various aspects of society. Florence Nightingale revolutionized nursing practices and played a pivotal role in establishing modern nursing as a respected profession. Her contributions include:

a) Nursing reforms: Nightingale implemented significant reforms in healthcare, particularly in the field of nursing. She emphasized the importance of hygiene, sanitation, and patient care practices, which significantly reduced mortality rates in hospitals.

b) Founder of modern nursing: Nightingale is often referred to as the founder of modern nursing. She established the first formal nursing training school, the Nightingale Training School for Nurses, in 1860. This set the standards for nursing education and professional development.

c) Nursing research and statistics: Nightingale recognized the importance of data and statistics in healthcare decision-making. She conducted meticulous record-keeping and used statistical analysis to evaluate healthcare outcomes. Her work on healthcare statistics laid the foundation for evidence-based practice in nursing.

Overall, Florence Nightingale's dedication to nursing and her fight for women's rights and equality have made her an iconic figure in both feminism and nursing. Her legacy continues to inspire generations of nurses and feminists alike.

Technique
When I Am No Longer A Memory (Ode To Florence Nightingale) was created by constructing a hand-cut collage using female photographic nursing portraits, a Turkish lantern, illustrated coxcomb charts, handwritten poem and painted light silhouettes.

After coating the handmade paper with light-sensitive chemistry, it is left to dry in a dark room. The large scale negative is then contact printed onto the paper by exposure to daylight (UV rays). The print is then processed by thoroughly washing in water to remove any unexposed solution. It can then be hung to dry, developing to full density Prussian blue after 24 hours before hand finishing with 24-carat gold and 6-carat white gold leaf before framing.

Signed by the Artist.

'Own Art' Option Available - Contact the gallery for further information.