Blogs

1 December 2025 marks the 37th World AIDS Day. The Royal College of Physicians Archives, Heritage Library and Museum Collections continue to seek donations of material relating to the history of HIV/AIDS.

Have you seen Guillermo Del Toro’s Frankenstein, and are you wondering how much is rooted in actual medical history? Let’s have a closer look. 

Warning! Contains spoilers within!

Artist and PhD candidate Catherine James explains her art installation Making Visible, answering the question "but why are the books blue?"

Explore three memento mori objects in the museum this spooky season.

The RCP's latest exhibition, A Body of Knowledge, launched on 11th September 2025. On that occasion Katie Birkwood, rare books librarian and curator of the exhibition, gave a speech reflecting upon a career in libraries, the RCP library specifically and the exhibition.

Doctoral researcher and artist Catherine James explores the Dorchester family's role in the history of the RCP's library.

The RCP Museum is delighted to announce the loan of two silver nipple shields from the Symons Collection to Hampshire Cultural Trust.

Did you know that last year, a dedicated team of volunteers contributed over 1,040 hours to support the work of the RCP’s Archives, Heritage Library and Museum? From assisting at public events, to helping us care for collections, volunteers play a crucial role in enriching our services and preserving our heritage. 

Katie Birkwood, rare books and special collections librarian, explores the medical uses of radioactive mud.

Tucked away in the stairwell below reception, two long stained-glass windows catch the light. Incorporated into the modern glass are historic coats of arms from the Royal College of Physicians’ former headquarters at Pall Mall East (1825–1964). The coats of arms commemorate former RCP presidents and other significant figures from the College’s past. Senior Curator Elizabeth Douglas investigates the disturbing legacy of one of these coats of arms.