Work, Art and Health: A Journey Through Time by Paul J Nicholson is a beautifully illustrated book which takes readers on an excursion to explore the world of work, and its effects on health by looking at works of art from the prehistoric to the present. The journey starts in c.5500BCE with a rock painting discovered in Spain, and ends in 2021 with a portrait of a hospital nurse wearing full PPE during the COVID pandemic. Featuring 100 works of art, subject matter includes mosaics, sculptures, manuscripts, stained glass, enamels, drawings, engravings, preliminary sketches, oil paintings, watercolours, satirical drawings, lithographs, photographs, magazine illustrations and posters. The book showcases works by famous artists, and accomplished works by less well-known artists, and as a result is both visually diverse and informative.
Order your copy of Work, Art and Health (Troubador Publishing, 2026. hISBN: 9781806340088) here. Please remember to type in the promotion code on the checkout page to benefit from the SOM member’s exclusive discount of 25% on the purchase price - email ann.caluori@som.org.uk for the code if you are a member.
Paul Nicholson passed professional examinations in general practice, occupational medicine and aviation medicine while serving in the Royal Air Force. He completed specialist training with Imperial Chemical Industries, and then spent 23 years with Procter & Gamble, in UK/Ireland, European and global roles. Paul was Honorary Assistant Editor of the journal Occupational Medicine (1991-2000), President of the Society of Occupational Medicine (2000-1), and Chair of the British Medical Association Occupational Medicine Committee (2008-16). He was an elected member of Board of the Faculty of Occupational Medicine and its clinical lead for the development of standards and accreditation for occupational health services (SEQOHS). In 2006, he was made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire for services to occupational medicine.