Collection of 38 Mixed Media Illustrations Depicting Injuries, Mental Disorders, and other Health Concerns

[U.K.?], 1975. 38 pieces, mixed media including watercolor, illustration marker, and acrylic on illustration board. Varying sizes from 9x14cm to 13x13cm, a few with multiple illustrations, on varying sizes of board. Few smudges, some tape residue to margins, most protected with rice paper. Illustrations generally near fine with some wear to boards.

Intriguing set of highly detailed and skilled illustrations, some of which are quite beautifully done and several of which are quite brutal.  These illustrations are from a planned publication, maybe a manual of some sort or a set of flash cards for the study of first aid, accident assessment, (truncated) and other general health categories as often noted on the versos.  Although the set is quite broad in scope, with some real doozies, it is perhaps from a larger whole.  Illustrations include:

First Aid - accidents, electrocution, burns, stopping severe bleeding, burns (x3), head injuries, snake bites, hypothermia, poisoning, frostbite, collar bone injuries, epilepsy, asthma, exposure, fractures.


The Developing Child - nosebleeds, ear injuries, safety in the home, crush injuries, abdominal wounds.

[Elderly] - Senile dementia (x2), making a bed, astigmatism, the heart, lifting a patient.

Emotions - hysteria, neurosis, addictions, emotions and the brain, anxiety states and phobias.

Sex and Relationships - The Breasts, divorce, heavy petting.

[Miscellaneous] - Hair care, over the counter drugs, having an operation (what to take to the hospital)


Most of the subjects are quite stylishly dressed (1970s-80s), while they suffer horrible injuries, all illustrated in beautiful, bright colors in a very artistic style.  We also note a lack of diversity in the subjects typical of the era.  With at times over-the-top presentation complete with gory details, and taken out of context without accompanying technical language, the set presents as a darkly humorous foray into the world of horrific and mundane health conditions which might befall a (white) person of the times.  . (Inventory #: 6610)