![Medals and diary from James Lawence-Smith [detail]. Image © Dawsons](https://images.prismic.io/barnebys/003b4ddb-44b9-432a-ac2a-b773fea116cf_Medals_Diary_Surgeon+James+Lawre.jpg?auto=format,compress)
On 27 May, Dawsons Auctioneers is holding their ‘Fine Art, Antiques and Asian Art’ sale. The catalogue contains an impressive array of treasures from all over the globe that will intrigue history buffs and art collectors alike. The star of the auction is undoubtedly a collection of personal items belonging to a decorated Royal Navy Surgeon of great repute, Surgeon Rear-Admiral James Lawrence-Smith.
Born in 1862, James Lawrence-Smith served in World War I and retired with the rank of Surgeon Rear-Admiral. His granddaughter, Theodosia Linley-Munro, née Lawrence-Smith, recalls that his services prior to the war put him in favour of Queen Victoria and other members of the royal family. To honour him, the Queen herself made him a member of the Victorian Order, a dynastic order of knighthood that recognises distinguished personal service to the monarch or members of the monarch’s family.
Lawrence-Smith served as Surgeon General in Malta, where he was placed in charge of the famous Bighi Hospital on the east side of the island. During the war, Malta became known as the ‘Nurse of the Mediterranean’ due to the great numbers of wounded soldiers who were accommodated there. It was here that Lawrence-Smith recorded the start of the First World War, in a scribbled diary which will appear during the sale. Although diaries often have sentimental value alone, the thoughts and details noted here offer a unique insight into a singular life during a very singular time.
Many of Lawrence-Smith’s medals will also appear during the auction. Their provenance is well recorded, making them of personal as well as historical interest. This sale offers a rare opportunity to interact with the past so closely – although the medals are important in their own right, knowing the background of their recipient lends them an intimacy and richness that is unparalleled.
The French Fleet were also stationed in Malta while Lawrence-Smith served as Surgeon General. To thank him and honour his services to their personnel, the French government made him a member of The Légion d'Honneur, which is the highest French order of merit. This exquisite porcelain figurine marks his membership, and features a seated woman attended to by a winged cupid. The base is inscribed ‘L’Amour Médecin’, or ‘Doctor Love’, the title of a romantic comedy written by Moliére.
The people of Malta also showed their appreciation and gratitude to Lawrence-Smith by giving him a magnificent parquetry chest. The chest is made out of walnut, and is finely detailed with geometric inlay designs. Lawrence-Smith passed the chest, along with other memorabilia, down to his only son, Surgeon Commander Alexander Maxwell Lawrence-Smith. His legacy lives on today, and his granddaughter, Theodosia Linley-Munro, notes that she is extremely proud of her family roots.
The ‘Fine Art, Antiques and Asian Art’ sale will take place at Dawsons on 27 May at 9:30 a.m., and online, phone and absentee bids will all be accepted. The entire catalogue is available online, and, although the showrooms are closed, Dawsons offers a premier Virtual Viewing option by appointment where you can view lots in detail and chat with specialists from the comfort of your own home.
