Join the Royal College of Nursing Library and Museum for the Annual RCN History of Nursing Lecture, delivered in person by Professor Emeritus Sioban Nelson.
This free London lecture explores nursing’s material culture, industrial legislation, professional associations, and the rise of nurse unionism in Denmark, Canada, and the United Kingdom during the 1970s.
Event details
- Date: Thursday, October 29, 2026
- Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
- Venue: Royal College of Nursing Library & Museum
- Address: 20 Cavendish Square, London W1G 0RN
- Hosted by: Royal College of Nursing Library and Museum
- Organiser: Royal College of Nursing Library and Museum
- Tickets: Free
About the lecture
Professor Emeritus Sioban Nelson is a nursing historian and policy scholar. In this lecture, she will present material from her current book project, Object Matters: A General History of Nursing Through Material Culture.
The project examines the history of nursing through objects, ranging from thirteenth-century hospital seals to steamer trunks and boxing gloves.
This lecture, titled Into the Ring: Industrial Legislation, Nursing Professional Associations and the Rise of Unionism Among Nurses in Denmark, Canada and the United Kingdom in the 1970s, begins with the boxing gloves of prominent Danish nursing leader Kirsten Stallknecht.
What the lecture explores
The talk will examine rising militancy among nurses in the 1970s and compare how different nursing organisations responded to a rapidly changing industrial climate.
Topics include:
- Nursing professional associations and industrial legislation
- The rise of unionism among nurses
- Nurse activism and professional identity in the 1970s
- The Royal College of Nursing in the United Kingdom
- The Danish Nurses Organization in Denmark
- The Registered Nurses Association of Ontario in Canada
- The consequences of labour activism for the nursing profession
Who should attend
This event is open to all.
It may be especially relevant for nurses, nursing students, historians, researchers, educators, union and professional association members, healthcare policy professionals, and anyone interested in the social, political, and professional history of nursing.
Image context
The event image references the RCN’s Pay Not Peanuts campaign of 1979, a historic campaign associated with nurses’ pay, professional recognition, and industrial action during a period of growing nurse activism.
Accessibility and questions
For questions or accessibility needs, contact the Royal College of Nursing Library and Museum at [email protected] or 0345 337 3368.
The organiser also provides guidance for attending events and terms and conditions through the RCN Library and Museum.
Important note
Event details can change. Please confirm ticket availability, event access guidance, accessibility arrangements, venue instructions, and any final updates with the organiser before attending.
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