"Childbirth in the 1860s", diorama for Lower Wellcome Gallery, which includes administration of anaesthetic

This is a diorama illustrating a home childbirth in the mid 19th century and it was made in 1979. A doctor and nurse can be seen administering an anaesthetic to the woman in labour. Anaesthesia was used from the 1850s to relieve the pain of childbirth. A servant is entering the room with a large kettle and a fourth attendant, possibly a relative, is standing at the bed with an anxious expression. The doctor is the only man present at the birth. The interior scene was made by Derek and Patricia Freeborn Ltd, in East Horsley, Surrey, England.