A portrait of a Dorset farmer who was a pioneer in developing the smallpox vaccination has gone on display in the county.
According to the Dorset Echo, the picture of Benjamin Jesty – who carried out the first vaccinations against the disease – is to be on show to visitors at the Dorset County Museum until February 2010.
This is the first time the painting has been made available to the public for over 200 years, meaning it could be a popular attraction for those that are touring the museum as part of their Dorset holidays.
It is being unveiled to coincide with the 30th anniversary of the World Health Organisation”s announcement that smallpox has been globally eradicated.
Curator of the museum John Murden said it was "extraordinary" to think that the fight against smallpox began in the county around 220 years ago.
Those wanting to pay a visit to the Dorset County Museum may be interested to note that the entrance fees are £6.50 for adults and £4.50 for concessions.
Posted by David Sollberger
