Discover a fascinating collection of carte de visite photographs relating to Agnes Bennett, in our next Open House timed auction, running from 2-8 December.
1 December 2025
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Agnes Elizabeth Lloyd Bennett was an Australian-born doctor who was awarded an O.B.E. for her contributions to women’s and children’s health. She studied at the University of Edinburgh; one of the few institutions in the late 19th century that admitted women to medical training. In 1869, Edinburgh became the first university in Britain to matriculate women in medical studies.
A collection of carte de visite photographs relating to Agnes Bennett, late 19th century and later, of medical interest (£100-200)
Bennett graduated in 1899 and spent a year working as a resident medical assistant at Stirling District Asylum in Larbert, before returning to Sydney in 1901. There, persistent prejudice against women in medicine limited her ability to establish a practice, leading her to accept a position as resident medical officer at Callan Park Asylum.
In 1905, she moved to New Zealand after being given the opportunity to purchase the practice of Dr Isabella Watson. By 1908, she had been appointed medical officer at St Helens Hospital in Wellington. Her work at St Helens deepened her interest in obstetrics and provided the research material for her Medical degree thesis, which she completed at the University of Edinburgh in 1911.
A collection of carte de visite photographs relating to Agnes Bennett, late 19th century and later, of medical interest (£100-200)
When the First World War broke out, Bennett travelled to Europe in 1915 to serve with the French Red Cross. This work led to her appointment as the British Army’s first female commissioned officer, stationed in Cairo as a medical officer.
We are very excited to present a carte de visite photograph of the Women's Medical School Committee, Edinburgh, 1899, annotated verso with the names of the unknown committee members.
A collection of carte de visite photographs relating to Agnes Bennett, late 19th century and later, of medical interest (£100-200)
These lots, alongside a wide range of others including silver, ceramics, furniture and works of art, will feature in our Open House timed auction (Tuesday 2 - Monday 8 December).
Viewing is available at our Stansted Mountfitchet Auction Rooms at the following times:
Wednesday 3 December | 10am-3pm
Thursday 4 December | 10am-3pm
Friday 5 December | 10am-3pm
Monday 8 December | 10am-3pm
openhouse@sworder.co.uk | 01279 817778
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