Society of Apothecaries

Society of Apothecaries Pioneering the future of healthcare with wisdom from the past. Join our events, lectures and social gatherings as we celebrate and create Apothecary history!

18/06/2026

✨ Looking back on last month's Galen & Farr Awards Ceremony, a wonderful evening celebrating our award winners and their outstanding achievements.

Thank you to everyone who joined us as we recognised excellence at this special occasion.

📚️ For over 400 years, and the sharing of knowledge have been at the heart of the Society of Apothecaries.On , we ext...
17/06/2026

📚️ For over 400 years, and the sharing of knowledge have been at the heart of the Society of Apothecaries.

On , we extend our appreciation to the tutors, examiners, faculty members and mentors who continue this tradition through their dedication to teaching and supporting learners through our courses and diplomas. Thank you!

🤔 Did you know? Before neon signs and social media ads, Apothecaries used pill tiles or slabs outside their shops to sig...
12/06/2026

🤔 Did you know? Before neon signs and social media ads, Apothecaries used pill tiles or slabs outside their shops to signal their trade - hence the holes at the top for hanging them outside. Decorative yet practical, these tiles were also used in the preparation of pills and ointments long before modern machinery.

That’s how advertising worked back in the day!

🧪 A glimpse into medical history: this physicians' urine test kit from 1880 highlights how early practitioners examined ...
11/06/2026

🧪 A glimpse into medical history: this physicians' urine test kit from 1880 highlights how early practitioners examined and understood health.

Long before modern labs, diagnosis often relied on careful observation - colour, clarity, and even scent, all offering clues about a patient’s condition.

🤔 Did you know? This stained-glass window, by Richard Scowen, and donated by Past-Master Jonathan Holliday, celebrates m...
05/06/2026

🤔 Did you know? This stained-glass window, by Richard Scowen, and donated by Past-Master Jonathan Holliday, celebrates more than just a .

Leeks and wild ramps have long been prized for their benefits, from aiding digestion to supporting heart health and immunity.

🌿 A small window into the powerful connection between nature and medicine.

The panels in this window, with the theme of medicinal plants, were commissioned in 2017 to celebrate the Quartercentenary of the granting of its Charter to the . The initiative came from the Livery Committee in 2016 and the scheme was executed by William Shand and Michael Spencer.

🤔 Looking for a role where you can show off your subject expertise? The Faculty of History & Philosophy of Medicine & ...
05/06/2026

🤔 Looking for a role where you can show off your subject expertise?

The Faculty of History & Philosophy of Medicine & Pharmacy at Apothecaries’ Hall is looking for enthusiastic, qualified individuals to be part of our growing success in providing a range of courses, qualifications and events.

Do you have a medical background and are able to direct our part-time Ethics and Philosophy Course? You’ll engage learners by drawing upon philosophical theories, clinical cases and seminal legal issues to demonstrate the live ethical challenges of modern and medicine today.

Or, perhaps you are a non-medical historian with a passion for the history of medicine and pharmacy and would bring valuable expertise to our Diploma examinations team.

Join us and be part of our 400 year old history as a medical institution and one of the largest Companies in London.

✉️ For further details, please contact [email protected]

Please note: these are volunteer roles for which an honorarium and/or expenses will be paid.

🌟 Meet our volunteers: Dr Arnold Fernandes (Dip GUM Examination Convenor) and Dr Johnny Boylan (Deputy Dip GUM Examinati...
04/06/2026

🌟 Meet our volunteers: Dr Arnold Fernandes (Dip GUM Examination Convenor) and Dr Johnny Boylan (Deputy Dip GUM Examination Convenor)

Alongside their roles as Consultants in Genitourinary Medicine and leaders in medical education across the UK and Ireland, they play a vital role in supporting Higher Specialty Trainees on their journey to becoming future consultants.

Inspired by the mentorship and guidance they received throughout their own careers, Dr Arnold and Dr Boylan volunteer their time to help develop the next generation of specialists, contributing to examination standards, training programmes and quality assurance processes.

When asked about the most rewarding part of their role, they said: "One of the most rewarding aspects of the role has been working with such a dedicated and supportive group of examiners, alongside the excellent academic and administrative teams at the Society of Apothecaries. The collaborative spirit and shared commitment to maintaining high standards in medical education are extremely motivating. It is particularly rewarding to contribute to an examination that plays an important role in supporting Higher Specialty Trainees across the UK and Ireland as they progress towards becoming future consultants in Genitourinary Medicine."

🖼️ Did you know this portrait of Queen Elizabeth II was painted in the Chinese Room at Buckingham Palace in 2004?Created...
04/06/2026

🖼️ Did you know this portrait of Queen Elizabeth II was painted in the Chinese Room at Buckingham Palace in 2004?

Created by Anthony Oaskshett, the artwork features Apothecaries' Roses woven into the background and was unveiled by The Duke of Kent on 21 March 2005.

Briony joined the Faculty of the History and Philosophy of Medicine and Pharmacy Committee in 2015 with a pharmacy histo...
03/06/2026

Briony joined the Faculty of the History and Philosophy of Medicine and Pharmacy Committee in 2015 with a pharmacy history remit, drawing on her experience managing the Royal Pharmaceutical Society Museum and committee role for the British Society for the History of Pharmacy.

"In 2016, we ran the Faculty's first pharmacy history short course, and I have acted as course director for this ever since. I served as Faculty President during the pandemic - a challenging, but rewarding term of office - and was a member of the Academic Review Group that took a forensic look at the Society's academic offerings at this time! I'm also a current member of the Friends of the Collections Committee, and of the History of Medicine Course Development and Steering Group."

When asked about her most memorable experiences so far as a volunteer with us, she said: "It is always great fun to take part in the procession at the start of the evening lectures - the Hall comes to life, and you feel part of the continuum of over 400 years of history on the site. Otherwise, I love teaching practical sessions on the History of Medicine course or leading groups exploring pharmacy history collections in a range of London venues!"

As Patient Safety Commissioner for England, a practising GP and a visiting professor at the University of Greater Manche...
02/06/2026

As Patient Safety Commissioner for England, a practising GP and a visiting professor at the University of Greater Manchester, Henrietta brings a wealth of experience to her voluntary role with the Court.

Since joining as a Court Assistant in 2025 (trustee), she has contributed to both the Editorial Board for the Apothecary Journal and the Estates and Facilities Committee.

When asked what inspired her to volunteer, Henrietta said:

"I was inspired to volunteer to contribute to the work of the Society. I love the history and continuity and the way that the Society brings people together at all stages of their careers through education, the Apprenticeship programme and through the Livery."

Her most memorable experience so far has been visiting the Society's estate and meeting the tenants for the first time.

Thank you, Henrietta!

Address

Black Friars Lane
London
EC4V6EJ

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

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+442072361180

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