A portrait of eminent physician Dr Jonas Malden has been donated to the University of Worcester by his family.
John Malden (second from left) and Tracey Measures (second from right) with the portrait of their ancestor, Dr Jonas Malden, which has been donated to the University. Also pictured are the University's Vice Chancellor, Professor David Green CBE, and Mayor of Worcester, Dr Adrian Gregson
Dr Malden was the Senior Physician at Worcester Royal Infirmary for 43 years until his retirement in 1857. He was an instigator of the Provincial Medical Association, founded on 18th July 1832, which grew into the British Medical Association (BMA).
Dr Malden’s family, many of them medics also, have donated a portrait to hang in the Board Room of the University’s Charles Hastings building, where the BMA was credited as being founded by Dr Malden’s junior physician, Charles Hastings.
John Malden, great great great nephew of Dr Jonas Malden, said: “I was given the portrait in 1972 Uncle Jonas has looked down kindly on us since then. However, now we are downsizing we wanted to find a suitable home for the portrait.
“His lifelong commitment to the Worcester Royal Infirmary and the fact that he is buried in St Oswald’s, Foregate Street, meant that the University, which has restored the Infirmary, now the Charles Hastings building, was the most suitable place.”
Mr Malden added: “I had not realised that two thirds of the University courses are related to medicine and health. I am most grateful to the University for accepting the portrait and making my wife and I so welcome on the occasion of the unveiling of the portrait.”
Professor David Green CBE DL, Vice Chancellor and Chief Executive of the University, said he was delighted to accept the portrait on behalf of the University.
“Dr Jonas Malden was a prominent medical doctor in Worcester,” he said. “We are delighted to have his portrait for exhibition and to connect with a vital component of the rich history of the City and County. We are very grateful to John Malden and the wider Malden family for this generous gift.”