Joseph Towne (1806–1879) was a pioneer in the art of wax modelling of anatomical and dermatological material. He began his career at the age of 17, at Guy's Hospital, London, where he spent the whole of his professional life. He was a secretive, self-taught individual, and the finer points of his technique died with him. His brilliant works are on view at the Gordon Museum at Guy's, and are still used for teaching.
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References
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TowneR. Original manuscripts — genealogy reference study (private collection of Rupert Towne, located in the Gordon Museum, Guy's).
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BryantT. Joseph Towne, modeller to Guy's Hospital for 53 years. Guy's. Hospital Reports, 3rd series1883;26:1–12.
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GraingerRDOriginal testimonial, 1826. Manuscript on display at the Gordon Museum, Guy's, King's and St Thomas's Medical School, London.
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CooperAPOriginal testimonial, 1826. Manuscript on display at the Gordon Museum, Guy's, King's and St Thomas's Medical School, London.
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MorganJ. Original testimonial, 1827. Manuscript in the private collection of the Gordon Museum, Guy's, King's and St Thomas's Medical School, London.
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Clot-Bey had established a medical college at Abuzabol, Cairo, in 1827, which was built by Mohamed Ali. In 1835 Elihu Towne left Guy's for Cairo but tragically died en route between Alexandria and Abuzabol on 18 April 1835 or thereabouts. Inland Revenue Estate Duty Office. Regarding the death of Elihu Towne (private letter to Rupert Towne), dated 2 July 1968. Part of the Gordon Museum's private collection.
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GriffithF. Joseph Towne, wax modeller of Guy's Hospital. Medical Library and Historical Journal1905;3:41–5.
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National Gallery. Copy of letter from Dr Raymond White to Miss P A Thomasson of the Institute of Archaeology regarding the radiographic analysis of the models, dated 6 April 1979. Part of the Gordon Museum's private collection.
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Lord Chamberlain's Office, Buckingham Palace. Letter from Mr Geoffrey Bellaque to Rupert Towne regarding the Duke of Kent equestrian wax, dated 4 December 1965. Part of the Gordon Museum's private collection.
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GunnisR. Dictionary of British Sculptors (1600–1851).London: Odhams Press, 1953.
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WilksSBertanyGTA Biographical History of Guy's Hospital. London: Ward, Lock, Bowden, 1892.
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General Register, Somerset House. Death certificate of Joseph Towne (copy), dated 23 August 1968. Part of the Gordon Museum's private collection.
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Last will and testament of Joseph Towne (copy), dated 1879. Part of the Gordon Museum's private collection.
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HavilandTNParishLCA brief account of the use of wax models in the study of medicine,. Journal of Historical and Medical Allied Sciences1970;25:52–75.
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AthertonDJJoseph Towne, wax modeler extraordinary. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology1980;3:311–16.
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SchnalkeT. Joseph Towne, British pioneer of wax dermatologic modeling. American Journal of Dermatopathology1989;11:466–72.
