Celebrating Sir William Macewen
To mark 100 years since the death of pioneering Scottish surgeon Sir William Macewen (1848–1924), the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow is proud to launch two tributes to his remarkable legacy:
- An exhibition: William Macewen: At the cutting edge (2024–26)
- A documentary: The Boy from Bute: Sir William Macewen: A Surgical Genius (premiering May 2025)
Find out more below.
William Macewen: At the Cutting Edge
Exhibition (2024-2026)
2024 marked the centenary of the death of Sir William Macewen, arguably the most innovative surgeon of his time. In 1879, at the Glasgow Royal Infirmary, Macewen became the first person to successfully remove a brain tumour. He also pioneered bone graft surgery and asepsis – his sterilisation practices, including the use of gloves, improved surgical outcomes for his patients.
Our new exhibition which launched in September 2024 celebrates and explores this exceptional man and his groundbreaking achievements.
Born in Rothesay on the Isle of Bute in 1848, Macewen gained his degree of M.D. in 1872 from the University of Glasgow. In 1875 he was appointed assistant surgeon to the Royal Infirmary at Glasgow, becoming a full Surgeon in 1877. On his appointment to the Infirmary he devoted himself to surgery and it was during this time that he made his important advances in both brain and bone surgery.
Alongside his outstanding contributions brain, bone and aseptic surgery, Macewen also made important advancements in anaesthesia, hernia repair, prosthetics, and surgery of the lung and ear. He was a founder of the Princess Louise Scottish Hospital for Limbless Sailors and Soldiers (now known as Erskine) and along with Matron Rebecca Strong, was instrumental in the professionalisation of nursing.
Macewen was a distinguished Honorary Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow and played an active role in the education and examination of its fellows and members. He spent his career working in hospitals across the city of Glasgow and became Regius Professor of Surgery at the University of Glasgow in 1892. He was knighted ten years later in 1902 and amongst many other national and international awards and honours was granted the Freedom of Rothesay, his hometown in 1922.
Visit the exhibition
The exhibition runs from 2024-26.
You can visit the exhibition on Monday afternoons between 2pm and 5pm (excluding bank holidays). Please make an appointment to visit at other times by contacting library@rcpsg.ac.uk.
The Boy from Bute
Sir William Macewen: A Surgical Genius
A new documentary exploring the life and work of Sir William Macewen, a Scottish surgeon, lauded worldwide in his time for his groundbreaking surgical advances, yet largely forgotten today. As a former Honorary Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow, we are keen to change this and bring his name back to greater recognition.
The 19th century witnessed profound developments in the field of surgery, through the development of antiseptics and new techniques transforming it from a procedure of last resort to an accepted medical practice. Sir William Macewen dedicated his life to the advancement of surgery and medicine, becoming known as the Father of Neurosurgery. This film charts his many great innovations and discoveries, along with the challenges he faced.
Our documentary tells his story – from his upbringing as the youngest of twelve children on the Isle of Bute, to his work in Glasgow, to becoming one of the most celebrated surgeons of his time.
Sir William Macewen lived a life busier than most and our documentary intends to bring his story to a wider audience. Through its telling, we reflect on a pioneering individual and what lessons can be learnt from his remarkable journey.
The documentary premiered on Wednesday 14 May 2025 and is now free to view here on our website. We hope you enjoy Macewen's story.