The AGM was held at the beginning of the meeting
Chantal Bradburn gave an illustrated talk to 115 members about the role of illustration and photography in the development of plastic surgery techniques
The new weaponry and fighting methods of the First World War produced previously unseen injuries. This talk will explore the importance of illustration in the development of new plastic surgery technologies and procedures during and immediately after the War, with emphasis on the work of Henry Tonks on facial reconstruction. Photography, though well-established by 1914, was not able to capture the intricacies of surgical intervention accurately, partially due to the lack of colour. Several established British artists applied their illustration skills to the challenge, supporting the development of life-changing and life-saving surgeries and producing some of the most haunting portraits of the twentieth century.
Chantal Bradburn trained as an Art Historian, and has taught Art History, Photography and Film in further and higher education. Her research focuses on art made during and between the World Wars, and how it reflects the rapidly changing social landscape of the time. She currently works as the Outreach and Widening Participation Manager at the University of Chester.