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Collections

The Museum of the Order of St John has a collection of more than 60,000 objects, ranging from historic arms and armour through to modern first aid equipment. Browse the selection below to learn a little more about our collections.

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The Broken Bed

Circle of William Hogarth
Oil on canvas
18th century
Loan managed by the Sir Denis Mahon Charitable Trust

Thanks to The Sir Denis Mahon Charitable Trust, The Broken Bed was on loan to the Museum from a private collection from 2014 until June 2021. 

On loan to the Museum of the Order of St John is an intriguing oil sketch from the Circle of William Hogarth, depicting “The Broken Bed” from his “Industry and Idleness” series. The painting forms an interesting link to the narrative of St John’s Gate, home to the Museum and also the childhood home of William Hogarth.

On 25th November 2015, Claire Shepherd, a painting conservator, discussed the conservation of the painting that she completed while a post-graduate student at the Courtauld Institute, London.

 

 

Sponsors

The Museum of the Order of St John would like to thank all those who have supported and continue to support its work. In particular, the Museum would like to thank the following for their generosity: