Translational mini-review series on vaccines: The Edward Jenner Museum and the history of vaccination

Abstract

Edward Jenner's discovery of vaccination must rank as one of the most important medical advances of all time and is a prominent example of the power of rational enquiry being brought to bear during the Age of Enlightenment in 18th century Europe. In the modern era many millions of lives are saved each year by vaccines that work essentially on the same principles that were established by Edward Jenner more than 200 years ago. His country home in Berkeley, Gloucestershire, is where he carried out his work and where he spent most of his life. The building is now a museum in which the life and times of Jenner are commemorated including not only the discovery of smallpox vaccination but also his other important scientific contributions to natural history and medicine. The trustees of the Edward Jenner museum are committed to promoting the museum as a real and "virtual" educational centre that is both entertaining and informative.

Fig. 1

The Chantry as it is today – the former Queen Anne country residence of Edward Jenner located in his home town of Berkeley. He lived here from 1785 until his death in 1823. The museum is dedicated to the life, work and legacy of Dr Edward Jenner. The original Chantry was built as the residence of Berkeley Chantry priests and used as such between 1384 and ca. 1547. The present Chantry was rebuilt ca. 1702–1707 and bought by Dr Jenner in 1785 for £600. It became the new Berkeley Vicarage in 1885 and was acquired in 1980–84 by the Jenner Appeal Trust and is now the Edward Jenner Museum.

Fig. 2

Jenner's portrait. ‘Dr Edward Jenner – discoverer of vaccination against smallpox. An oil-on-canvas painting by William Pearce, being a contemporary copy of a portrait by John Raphael Smith. Smith’s portrait was exhibited at the Royal Academy, London, in 1800 and both portraits later influenced many other artists. The portrait currently hangs in the Jenner's former dining room in the Edward Jenner Museum and shows Berkeley Castle in the background. Reproduced by kind permission of the Jenner Museum.

Fig. 3

‘The Temple of Vaccinia’ – a thatched summerhouse where Dr Edward Jenner vaccinated the poor of Berkeley against smallpox free of charge. On certain days there were long queues winding across the lawn and back towards the town.

Fig. 4

Jenner's study – a recreation of Jenner's former study at his home, The Chantry. The study is based on an inventory of contents at The Chantry made by Jenner's executors on his death in 1823. It reflects the varied influences and interests in Jenner's life with fine pieces of furniture, scientific instruments and natural history specimens.