Professor Shaughn O’Brien exhibits sculptures at the Royal Society of Medicine

Professor Shaughn O’Brien, then Chairman of the North Staffordshire Medical Institute, showcased another side of his talents when three of his sculptures were exhibited at the Royal Society of Medicine in London.

Best known for his distinguished career in obstetrics and gynaecology, Professor O’Brien also developed a strong interest in sculpture, creating figurative and abstract works influenced in part by his medical background.

His pieces were displayed as part of the Medical Art Society’s annual exhibition, which celebrates creative work produced by members of the medical profession.

Combining Medicine and Art

At the time, Professor O’Brien was Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Keele University Medical School and had been dedicating Fridays to developing his artistic practice for several years.

His work demonstrated how a career in medicine could sit alongside a very different creative pursuit.

Among the sculptures exhibited at the Royal Society of Medicine was a bronze portrait of a young woman, alongside another bronze piece inspired by Mozart’s opera La Finta Giardiniera.

He also presented a plaster work entitled “Imaginary Public Commission for Stoke-on-Trent Year of Culture 2021.”

The three pieces reflected a range of influences, from portraiture and music to ideas connected with Stoke-on-Trent and its cultural identity.

From medical lectures to sculpture

The exhibition took place shortly after Professor O’Brien had also spoken at the Royal Society of Medicine in a very different professional capacity.

His lecture, “Premenstrual Syndrome – All You Need To Know,” explored his research into premenstrual syndrome, including developments in classification and treatment guidance.

The two appearances highlighted the breadth of Professor O’Brien’s interests, combining his academic and clinical career with an increasing commitment to sculpture.

Celebrating creativity in Medicine

The Medical Art Society was founded in 1935 to provide a platform for doctors and other medical professionals who paint, draw and sculpt alongside their clinical careers.

Its annual exhibition at the Royal Society of Medicine offered members an opportunity to present their work to a wider audience and celebrate the connection between medicine and creativity.

Professor O’Brien’s participation demonstrated that the skills and interests of those working in medicine can extend far beyond clinical practice and research.

His involvement in the exhibition also reflected the diverse interests of individuals who have played an important role in the history of the North Staffordshire Medical Institute and Wade Charitable Foundation.