Anne Acheson putting her finishing touches to a sculpture called October in the 1920s

The legacy of a sculptor whose achievements in WW1 still perpetuate

Anne Acheson (1882-1962) was a sculptor, born in Portadown, Co. Armagh. She studied sculpture at the Royal College of Art, Kensington from 1906-1910. Subsequently her bespoke sculptures became popular in many houses and gardens. Her work was exhibited at the Royal Academy and she became the first female Fellow of the Royal Society of British Sculptors in 1938.

Yet her achievements during the First World War are her most enduring legacy. In 1915 Anne joined the Surgical Requisites Association (SRA), an organisation set up to supply surgical dressings for wounded soldiers. However instead of rolling bandages, Anne’s artistic talents led to her pioneering more effective treatments for wounded soldiers.

Armed with an expert knowledge of the human anatomy gained from her sculpting experience, Anne invented the first anatomically accurate splints which allowed soldiers with broken bones to heal faster. Constructed initially from papier mâché made from sugar bags, and later Plaster of Paris, Acheson’s splints were comfortable, lightweight and cost-effective. Moulded around the injury of an individual; the custom-made splints also ensured that bones were held in the correct position to properly heal.

In recognition of her work which healed so many; Anne was awarded the CBE in February 1919. Her influence lives on as Plaster of Paris splints continue to be universally used for the treatment of broken bones.

Next year the Craigavon Museum Services will hold an exhibition in Portadown to celebrate her life and work. For more details contact: