Avril Thomas was commissioned to paint and draw fifty-nine portraits by Adelaide University School of Medicine.
Some of South Australia’s best known medical personnel were brought to life in these works for an art show celebrating the 125th anniversary of the University of Adelaide’s Medical School.
The works were on display at Adelaide University in Bonython Hall, Adelaide Convention Centre and at the School of Medicine.
The portraits cover subjects from a wide range of specialties and eras, including the co-founder of the University of Adelaide’s Medical Program in 1885, Sir Joseph Verco, who was recognised as the leading physician in Adelaide in the late 1800s.
The Show “A Day in the Life of Medicine” Works shown here were by Avril Thomas.
A book with the full collection is available at Magpie Springs
A Day in the Life of Medicine” is a visual snapshot of the history of medicine and its teaching at the University of Adelaide, spanning many genres and generations. From the founding of the school by Sir Joseph Verco to some leading professionals in whose steps the students of today aspire to follow.
It is a tribute to some of the many men and women who have forged their lives with their association with the Adelaide University School of Medicine.
These images capture the people and their work, each one telling a story about the subject within. It is an excellent vehicle for the subject to show what they do, demystifying it in a way (or getting the word across), opening the way for discussion. In doing this project Avril Thomas met some remarkable people. This project captures some of the experiences entailed in the teaching of medicine, be it in the passing of knowledge between student and professor during lectures or the excitement and pageantry when the student finally graduates. Meeting with the subjects was also a chance to discusses how these men and women have travelled the globe helping others or to talk about a global problem such as Iodine deficiency disorder or a new development like “The Da Vinci” robot and its benefits. There are special/ touching moments too, the moment a woman hears the heartbeat of her baby for the first time or a small child with Rheumatoid Arthritis who is so used to going to the Doctor he pulls his shirt up in readiness to be examined. What and interesting and diverse group of people!
We have learnt how generations of many families have passed through the walls of this School of Medicine. The founder’s family being a prime example.
A Special thank you to all who participated. This was an exciting project to undertake and a memory Avril Thomas treasures
At the opening of “A Day in the Life of Medicine” Adelaide University, Bonyton Hall
At the opening of “A Day in the Life of Medicine” Adelaide University, Bonython Hall
Dr Basil Hetzel AC, The Hon John Hill Minister for the Arts, Minister for Health and Avril Thomas Artist
At the opening of “A Day in the Life of Medicine” Adelaide University, Bonython Hall
A day in the Life of Medicine – Paintings and Drawings by Avril Thomas
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“The Remedy” by Avril Thomas Oil on canvas – The Hon Dr Basil Hetzel AC – World wide contribution to Iodine Deficiency Disorder – Emeritus Professor – Medicine
“Retrieval” 77 x 61Oil on canvas by Avril Thomas – Associate Professor Bill Griggs AM – – Director of Trauma Services and Senior Consultant ( Intensive Care, Retrieval Services and Anasthetics)
“Insertion” 62 x 46 Oil on canvas by Avril Thomas Dr. Andrew Lavender – Presedent AMA (SA), Anasthetist
“The Demonstration” 61 x 77 Oil on canvas by Avril Thomas
“Trust” 77 x 61 Oil on canvas by Avril Thomas –
“The Case” 77 x 61 Oil on canvas by Avril Thomas – Dr Greg Keene – Founding Principal – Sportsmed SA – Ortopaedic Surgeon
” Outreach” Oil on canvas by Avril Thomas –
“Rotation” 61 x 77 Oil on canvas by Avril Thomas –
“Da Vinci” 61 x 77 – Oil on Canvas by Avril Thomas –
“The Minister” 62 x 46 Oil on canvas by Avril Thomas
“Examination” 77 x 61 Oil on canvas by Avril Thomas
“Reconstruction” 77 x 61 Oil on canvas by Avril Thomas
“Results” 77 x 61 Oil on canvas by Avril Thomas Emeritus Professor Derek Frewin AO – Past Executive Dean for the Faculty of Health Sciences and Past dean of the Medical School.
“Interaction” 61 x 77 Oil on canvas by Avril Thomas
“The Speech” 77 x 61 Oil on canvas by Avril Thomas
“Concentration” 77 x 61 Oil on canvas by Avril Thomas Professor Villis Marshall AC – Clinical Director Surgical and Specialities Service, RAH
“A Guiding Hand” 77 x 61 Oil on Canvas by Avril Thomas Professor Guy Maddern – R.P Jepson Professor of Surgery, TQEH; Acting Head, School of Medicine; Head, Discipline of Surgery
“Ted” 77 x 61 Oil on canvas by Avril Thomas Dr. Ted Cleary Emeritus Fellow in the Medical Education Adjunct Associate Professor – Pathology, retired
“Visualization” 855 x 650 Graphite by Avril Thomas Associate Professor Anthony (Tony) Pohl – Discipline of Orthopaedics and Trauma; Director of Orthopaedic Trauma, Department of Orthopaedics and Trauma, RAH
“Shoulder Exam” 870 x 1100 Charcoal by Avril Thomas
“Engagement” 825 x 1020 Charcoal by Avril Thomas
“First Ultrasound” 865 x 650 Charcoal by Avril Thomas Professor Gus Dekker – Discipline of Obstetrics and Gynaecology
“Absorption” 595 x 690 Charcoal by Avril Thomas –
“Making Connections”1070 x 905 Charcoal drawing by Avril Thomas
“X – Ray” 665 x 850 Charcoal and conte by Avril Thomas Dr. Andrew Buchanan – Discipline of Anatomy and Pathology
“Application” 605 x 690 Charcoal by Avril Thomas Dr. Ian Johnson – Discipline of Anatomy and Pathology
“CPR Training”750 x 560 Graphite by Avril Thomas Heather Schubert – Nursing
“Florey Lecture Theatre” 660 x 1430 Watercolour by Avril Thomas
“Stirling Lecture Theatre“985 x 1330 Watercolour by Avril Thomas
“Just Checking” 915 x 700 Graphite by Avril Thomas
“The Lesson” 880 x 655 Graphite by Avril Thomas
“Marion” 825 x 635 Charcoal and conte by Avril Thomas Dr. Marion Eckert – Director, Nursing and Midwifery Education
“Kim” 840 x 635 Graphite by Avril Thomas Dr. Kym Diamantis – Ear Nose and Throat Surge
Dr. Jill Maxwell OAM – General Practitioner, Past President AMA (SA) 1992 – 1994
“Contemplation” 865 x 705 Graphite by Avril Thomas Dr. Brian Stein – Consultant Medical Oncologist
“The Explanation” 870 x 645 Graphite by Avril Thomas Dr. Brian Sando OAM – Sports Medicine Physician
“Dissection” 740 x 560 Charcoal by Avril Thomas Dr. Jaliya Kumaratilake – Discipline of Anatomy and Pathology
“Under the Scope” 895 x 655 Graphite by Avril Thomas Associate Professor Anthony Seymour – Pathologist, retired
“The Colours” 62 x 46 Oil on canvas by Avril Thomas Professor Alison Kitson – Head, Discipline of Nursing
“Safe and Sound” 925 x 705 Graphite By Avril Thomas Associate Professor Matt Hooper – Emergency Physician, Director – MedStar SA Retrieval Service
