Support for torso and left arm, leather and steel, from Military Orthopaedic Hospital, Shepherds Bush, London, late 19th century or c1915-1918

Covering the upper body and left arm, this leather and steel support was used at the Military Orthopaedic Hospital in Shepherd’s Bush, London. The leather has holes so the skin can breathe, preventing the wearer from becoming too hot.

The hospital was opened in March 1915 to treat soldiers returning from the battlefields of the First World War with bone and muscle injuries. The staff included the innovative and influential orthopaedic surgeon Sir Robert Jones.