- Written by Leah Mahon
- Published on 8th July 2021
Born in British Guyana, Russell was one of the UK’s first black or mixed-race consultants. Picture: English Heritage.- ONE OF Britain’s first black British consultants, pioneering neurologist James Samuel Risien Russell has today been commemorated with an English Heritage London blue plaque.
- The plaque marks 44 Wimpole Street, the impressive house which served as J. S. Risien Russell’s home and private practice from 1902 until his death in March 1939.
- Dr Risien Russell played a critical role in establishing the British school of neurology in the 1890s and was revered in his day.
- The importance of his contribution has only recently been understood, thanks to new research by the Windrush Foundation. His track record as a teacher, researcher and physician is remarkable by any standards, but all the more so considering the racial prejudice of the era.
