One foot in the past

One of the most enjoyable ways to delve into medicines past is to visit a museum devoted exclusively to the subject. The newest such museum in the country, though one with a long pedigree, is the Thackray Museum, next door to “Jimmys” hospital, Leeds.

The museum was the brainchild of Paul Thackray, grandson of the founder of the Thackray Medical Supplies Company. With the aid of a £3m grant from the National Lottery, the museum was moved to a wholly refurbished former workhouse, and it opened in March 1997.

In common with similar institutions today, the Thackray was keen to shed the often associated dusty image of museums. “Infotainment” is at least part of the plan to attract the paying public. A loud “Oy! …