Of Nursing and Knighthood - The Hunt Museum

Of Nursing and Knighthood

Of Nursing and Knighthood! In 2018 the Order of Malta Limerick is celebrating 70 years of service. As part of the celebrations, The Hunt Museum will be showcasing an exhibition in the museum’s prologue room. 

A historical figure in military uniform stands solemnly, adorned with medals and a star on his cape. The expression is formal against an ornate backdrop.

Tom Hanley, a member of the Order of Malta for 50 years, and Naomi O’Nolan, Head of Exhibitions and Collections at The Hunt Museum, discuss ‘Of Nursing and Knighthood’ – an exhibition celebrating 70 years of the Order of Malta in Limerick.

Video courtesy of Cian Reinhardt, Limerick Post. Read the full Limerick Post article here. 

Close-up collage of a Maltese cross on a golden military epaulette, a brass star button with red rosette, and a detailed medal with a crown emblem.

The Maltese cross is the cross symbol associated with the Order of Malta since 1567, with the Knights Hospitaller and by extension with the island of Malta. The cross is a white, eight-pointed cross having the form of four “V”-shaped elements, each joining the others at its vertex, leaving the other two tips spread outward symmetrically. This is placed on a red background or worn on a black mantle. The term is often wrongly applied to all forms of eight-pointed crosses irrespective of colour or background.

A collage showing diverse uniforms: a mannequin in a red military coat with gold epaulettes, a black robe with a white cross, a sepia portrait with medals, and a grey uniform with colourful ribbons.

The Uniform of The Order of Malta – The original uniform of the order of Malta was a red tunic with striped trousers and knights sword. (First image) This was was worn widely across Europe when initially formed. The uniform most commonly worn is today the working uniform (Fourth Image) which consists of a dark grey. Members may also wear a dress uniform on formal occasions. This consists of a military pattern tunic and trousers in grey, a white shirt and black tie and black shoes.