Rag: A History of Blood

27 February 2026 - 16 October 2026

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Blood has been studied and analysed for thousands of years. Examined for its ability to give life, to spread disease and to sow division.

Bringing together artefacts spanning scientific illustrations, textile art, interviews, early modern rare books and medicines, Rag: A History of Blood highlights the social, medical and cultural impact of blood.

This exhibition is split into three themes. Firstly, it examines blood-based discoveries which have saved countless lives.

It then moves on to the stigma associated with blood-myths – from menopause and menstruation to HIV/AIDS and scientific racism.

Finally, the exhibition explores the blood trade, including the history of blood transfusion and bloodletting.

Credits

The following people and institutions have kindly loaned objects for display in this exhibition:
Leigh Bowser
Lothian Health Services Archive, Edinburgh University Library
National HIV Story Trust
Royal Pharmaceutical Society
Thackray Museum of Medicine

This exhibition contains some racist historic materials.