Typography TuesdayA handwritten letter from the Centre for Ephemera Studies.The Centre for Ephemera
Typography TuesdayA handwritten letter from the Centre for Ephemera Studies.The Centre for Ephemera Studies holds a collection which continues to expand; volunteers can often be found sifting and sorting through piles of donated material. Items are generally kept as a typical example, saved to be decided upon at a later date or kept as an exceptional rarity- and this hand written letter is one of those exceptional rarities. Hidden amongst a few bits of printed material, the letter appeared unassuming at first, but then you see the signature of the author: F. Nightingale.Not only is it written by Florence Nightingale, the topic of the letter is absolutely charming. She discusses the credentials of a prospective student nurse who… “…filled up the form very satisfactorily. But- she is 53!!! Our ‘ages’ are from 27 to 37 for admission we think 40 full old tho’ we have sometimes made exceptions in favour of luck. But- 53!- to begin a life like Hospital life which requires all the vigour, hopefulness, energy and health of youth and even then in trying beyond what anybody knows who has not tried it!” “And for a poor woman too… it seems a shame to have her from Loughbro’ as she prepares to be “inspected” on such a slender chance!”This letter is such a fantastic insight to nursing in the 19th century and Nightingale’s character. For any enquiries relating to the collections at Typography and Graphic Communication or if you would like to arrange a visit please contact Laura Weill ([email protected]), Collections Administration Assistant. -- source link
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