Historical information

This antique bed pan, an object still in use in a more modern form in hospitals and other institutions, is from the collection of Dr Horace Iles Holmes (1877-1959). He was born and educated in Tasmania and completed a medical degree at the University of Melbourne. He commenced a medical practice in Warrnambool in 1906 and was the Honorary Medical Officer at the Warrnambool Hospital and Warrnambool’s Health Officer. His practice was at ‘Ierne’, at the corner of Spence and Kepler Streets. He was an early member of the Royal Australian College of Surgeons and he was prominent in community affairs in Warrnambool (foundation President of the Warrnambool Rotary Club, a member of the local Masonic Lodge for over 50 years, a long-term Trustee of the Warrnambool Methodist Church, a Warrnambool Hospital Committee member and president of the Lyndoch Hostel for the Aged committee). Dr Holmes enjoyed fishing, bowls and golf.

Significance

This is an interesting medical item from the collection of Horace Iles Holmes, a doctor who was prominently associated with the professional and community life of Warrnambool for over 50 years.

Physical description

This is a white china bed pan in a circular shape with a smaller round spout attached. It has some staining.