March 2026
Suttie Centre for Teaching & Learning in Healthcare, Foresterhill Road, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD
Friends of the Sivell Murals website
Lessons from a remarkably well illustrated anatomy textbook
A display demonstrating how skilled artists enhanced the learning environment of a medical faculty,
In the 1940s, in a small corner of Aberdeen, two men were striving to complete their self-imposed ambitious tasks. Professor Lockhart's textbook consolidated his advanced thinking on medical education. Yet it was not until 1959 that Anatomy of the Human Body by Lockhart, Hamilton & Fyfe was published by Faber and Faber Limited. Alberto Morrocco RSA and Gordon S Cameron RSA were two of the artists who contributed to this landmark textbook.
At the same time both artists were assisting Robert Sivell RSA in a series of wall paintings in the University of Aberdeen Student Union. The subject matter of these unique murals is profound.
In this display we acknowledge the skills and the commitment of these three distinguished Academicians.
There will also be reflection on the importance of studying anatomy by artists and students of healthcare. In addition we will explore how studying art develops observational skills.
