Major William Dick

This wonderful newsclipping was saved by Major William Dick. He was a surgeon at Netley hospital for a few years and whilst he was there, made a scrapbook which is full of snippets of life at the time. This one reports what the ladies wore at one of the many staff balls held at Netley in July 1895. The fabrics and designs of their dresses are described in full - pink satin brocaded with white flowers, fluted pink chiffon sleeves, white corded silk, jewelled passementerie (decorated trimmings), lilies of the valley, silk crepon, the list goes on and on, it sounds like an episode of Bridgerton! I was puzzled to read about the "pretty toilets" that were worn on the occasion, apparently that was a design of dress from the time.

From the Wellcome Library.

Another news clipping from Major Dick's scrapbook. This one was written for the Admiralty and Horse Guards Gazette dated March 1st 1900.

It gives us a short insight into life at the hospital describing the buildings and the members of Staff. It also talks about the temporary huts that were on loan from Germany, I love the description of the linoleum covered floors and picture screens.

From the Wellcome library

Here are a few more pages from Major Dick's scrapbook. These describe the events that were shown in the Garrison Theatre at Netley hospital and the Jubilee Hall in the village.

From the Wellcome Library.