Faces of Surgery
Every picture tells a story, what's yours?
About this project
This photo mosaic artwork is composed of a staggering 3,552 photographs. It is an iconic image of a simple scalpel. Yet, at close range, it reveals the many ‘Faces of Surgery’ representing the Royal College of Surgeons, and the people who have led and continue to drive their vision of excellent surgical care for everyone into the future their members, volunteers, staff and community worldwide. Surgeons, and the people who have led and continue to drive. Yet, at close range, it reveals the many ‘Faces of Surgery’ representing the Royal College of Surgeons, and the people who have led and continue to drive their vision of excellent surgical care for everyone into the future their members, volunteers, staff and community worldwide.
The Artwork
The Royal College of Surgeons of England commissioned The People’s Picture to create an artwork that stands the test of time and reflects what makes their organisation and Home of Surgery in Lincoln’s Inn Fields what it is today – their members, volunteers, staff and community worldwide. The mosaic is displayed at the Portugal Street entrance of the College building in Lincoln’s Inn Fields, London. As a charitable organisation the Royal College of Surgeons, who have such an extensive history their goal was for the mosaic to tell the story of the people who make the College what it is and contribute to their vision – seeing excellent surgical care for everyone.
photos collected
1,898 photos collected
Featured stories
“As a reconstructive plastic surgeon, my operating loupes were my essential constant companion.”
Martin
“RCS diplomats ceremony 2019 at the Royal College of Surgeons”
Faiza
“Working through Covid doing oral surgery was really tough.”
Craig
“Picture taken during one of the courses at the RCS England. #surgEd”
Michael
“I am a neurosurgery trainee in the North East of England and I was a committee member of the WinS Forum 2017-21. I graduated from Birmingham in 2016 & completed FY training in the West Mids, as well as a F3 post in neurosurgery at QEHB.”
Wing
“Photo of me after implant surgery at Faculty of Dentistry University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur”
Eshamsul
“I am a senior clinical fellow in general surgery and want to specialise in Breast Surgery. I plan to take the CESR route after having to give up a training post due to ill health. I returned to practice during the Covid pandemic.”
Holly
“My grandad died in a tragic rail accident in the days of non-existent trauma care. Now, working as a Consultant Major Trauma Surgeon in Liverpool at a major trauma centre, helps heal the inherited wounds of the past, on multiple levels.”
Rajarshi
“I am passionate about surgery and giving better care to our patients is our goal.”
Kitumaini
“This photo was taken at a graduation ceremony for the orthodontic therapy course – this is run by the Faculty of Dental Surgery of Royal College of Surgeons of England and was the very first orthodontic therapy course in the UK (in 2007)”
Simon
“These are a selection, representing all the facets of me as a surgeon, team member, advocate, educator, parent, trainee and purveyor of superb socks.”
Simon
“The team from Royal Berkshire Hospital that undertook the first scarless Transoral Endoscopic vestibular approach parathyroidectomy”
Ram
“I am a Consultant oncoplastic and reconstructive breast surgeon working at city hospital birmingham.I have a unique story, I worked and trained in three continents Asia. Middle east and Europe .I am a proud single mother of a 15 year old.”
Javeria
“My name is Professor Andrew Eder. I have been an RCS examiner for Restorative Dentistry since 2009 and Chair of the Examination Board between 2016 and 2022. I have enjoyed working with so many wonderful colleagues during this time.”
Andrew
“The journey from graduating in India to becoming a Dental surgeon in UK with the diploma LDS RCS England ! Proud to be a NHS Dentist!!!”
Hena
“Working in state of the art operation theatre on LIFELINE: world’s first hospital on train . An initiative by WHO in India. By far, the most rewarding experience ever.”
Asiya
“I am a Consultant oncoplastic and reconstructive breast surgeon working at city hospital birmingham.I have a unique story, I worked and trained in three continents Asia. Middle east and Europe .I am a proud single mother of a 15 year old.”
Javeria
Zoom in
In addition to the permanent display at the Royal College of Surgeons, Faces of Surgery is also available to explore as a huge giga pixel image online in deep zoom. Zoom in and explore the collected stories of all those who took part from the comfort of your phone or armchair.
A picture tells a thousand words. We chose a final image composed of all your pictures that celebrated the concept of the faces of surgery. It is an iconic image of a simple scalpel. Yet, at close range, it reveals the many ‘Faces of Surgery’ representing the Royal College of Surgeons, and the people who have led and continue to drive their vision of excellent surgical care for everyone into the future.
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The Royal College of Surgeons
The Royal College of Surgeons of England, 38-43 Lincoln’s Inn Fields, London WC2A 3PE
www.rcseng.ac.uk/
+44 (0)20 7405 3474
The Royal College of Surgeons of England provides world-class education, assessment and development to 30,000 surgeons, dental professionals and members of the wider surgical and dental care teams, at all stages of their career. Our vision is to see excellent surgical care for everyone. We do this by setting professional standards, facilitating research and championing the best outcomes for patients.
“We’re delighted to be working with The People’s Picture to show our wonderful people who have contributed to our past and drive forward our mission for the future. We hope all our members, staff and volunteers, will be able to make their mark on our ‘Home of Surgery’ in Lincoln’s Inn Fields by taking part.”
Jackie Weller | Executive Director (Transform) / Deputy Chief Executive
“Working with such a unique community and subject matter was a lot of fun, especially since I could create a concept that explored the theme of still life out of all the photos of the community. The pictures and stories submitted were heartwarming, humorous and often moving, revealing the lives behind the surgeon’s practice that we often do not get to see”
Helen Marshall | Artist | The People’s Picture