| Description Of Item | Oil on canvas, 78.7 x 66 cm
Born in Bailie Fyfe's Close, High Street, Edinburgh, Alexander Morison was the son of a lawyer. He was educated at Edinburgh's High School and then apprenticed to Dr Alexander Wood at the age of 15. He graduated with an MD from Edinburgh in 1799, becoming a Licentiate of the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh in 1800. He became a Fellow in 1801 and President in 1827.
After graduation, Dr Morison practised in Half Moon Street, London, but was unsuccessful and so turned his interests to agriculture and social activities. However, through the help of influential friends he was appointed Visiting Physician to the Private Lunatic Asylum in Surrey in 1809, a post he held for over 50 years. He later became Physician to the Royal Hospital of Bethlem and Bridewell. He was knighted by Queen Victoria on the occasion of her accession to the throne.
Artist: John Watson Gordon |