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A Ward, Quex Park VAD Hospital
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A Ward, Quex Park VAD Hospital
A Ward, Quex Park VAD Hospital. This ward was located in the Drawing Room of Quex House. Originally built as a small ballroom in 1883, this room had been redecorated and fitted with carved panels of Kashmir walnut surrounding textile decorated with embroideries from Chinese robes. The light fittings had walnut and beaten copper backs. These material were specially ordered from craftsmen in Kashmir. The hospital staff in the photograph are (left to right) Dr Harry Worthington, Medical Officer; Mary Holmes, Matron; Fanny Watson, VAD Nurse. Dr Worthington is attending to a patient/s wound. The photograph was one of a number commissioned by Major Powell-Cotton from AH Siminson, photographer of St Lawrence, Ramsgate. It bears his embossing stamp in the bottom right corner. The Quex Park VAD Hospital opened on 15 October 1914 and closed on 31 January 1919. The hospital was run by Kent/178, the Birchington Detachment. The Commandant was Hannah Powell-Cotton (1881-1964), wife of Major Percy HG Powell-Cotton (1866-1940) of of Quex Park, founder of the Powell-Cotton Museum. Date: 1917
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Media ID 14247587
© The Powell-Cotton Museum Collection / Mary Evans Picture Library
1883 Backs Ballroom Beaten Carved Copper Craftsmen Fanny Fitted Fittings Harry Holmes Kashmir Located Material Matron Nurse Ordered Originally Panels Quex Robes Specially Staff Surrounding Textile These Walnut Ward Watson Worthington Embroideries Redecorated
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This evocative photograph captures the scene of A Ward at Quex Park VAD Hospital during World War I. Located in the Drawing Room of Quex House, this historic space was originally designed as a small ballroom in 1883, featuring intricately carved panels of Kashmir walnut and textile decorations from Chinese robes. The room's light fittings boasted walnut and beaten copper backs, all specially sourced from skilled craftsmen in Kashmir. In the photograph, we see three dedicated individuals tending to the needs of their patients. On the left, Dr Harry Worthington, the Medical Officer, attends to a soldier's wound with utmost care and concentration. Next to him stands Mary Holmes, the Matron, who oversees the day-to-day operations of the ward. Fanny Watson, a VAD (Voluntary Aid Detachment) nurse, is also present, her expression one of compassion and determination. The Quex Park VAD Hospital opened on 15 October 1914 and operated until 31 January 1919. It was part of Kent/178, the Birchington Detachment, and was led by Commandant Hannah Powell-Cotton, wife of Major Percy HG Powell-Cotton of Quex Park. This remarkable woman, an advocate for women's education and suffrage, transformed her family home into a hospital to support the war effort. The hospital's unique setting, with its rich history and elegant decor, served as a testament to the resilience and resourcefulness of those who worked and healed within its walls during a time of great need.
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