18th-century caricaturist Tim Bobbin depicted dental extraction in 1773
Historical perspective on how 18th-century dental extraction was practiced and depicted in contemporary caricature.
The May 2026 cover of the British Dental Journal features a historical caricature by John Collier (1708-1786), an 18th-century English artist who published under the pseudonym Tim Bobbin. The image depicts a tooth extraction using period methods, including string, tongs, and a hot coal held against the patient's skin to cause reflexive head movement that might dislodge the tooth. Collier was known locally in the north-west as 'the Lancashire Hogarth' and produced numerous humorous drawings of dental procedures, reflecting the quackery common in dentistry during his era.
Why historical dental caricatures matter today
Collier's cartoons illustrate the crude state of dental practice in the 1700s and serve as a record of extraction techniques that lacked scientific understanding. His work shows the stark contrast between the tooth drawer's apparent enjoyment and the patient's evident suffering. The phrase 'pulling out teeth' persists in modern English idiom, though contemporary dentists recognise that tooth extraction requires proper periodontal assessment. Unless a tooth is excessively mobile and retained only by apical periodontal fibres, attempting to extract it without proper technique will fail.
Collier's legacy and artistic influence
The largest collection of Collier's work is held by the Rochdale Museum in Lancashire. His humorous depictions were universally popular in his time and remain highly desirable as collectible artwork. Collier was also known for poetry written in the south-east Lancashire dialect. His frequent presence in pubs, where he spent time with friends and sold his paintings, led to numerous pubs across Lancashire being named 'The Tim Bobbin' in his honour, a fitting tribute to an artist whose social life and commercial acumen matched his artistic talent.
Frequently asked questions
Who was Tim Bobbin and why is he important to dental history?
Tim Bobbin was the pseudonym of John Collier (1708-1786), an 18th-century English caricaturist known locally as 'the Lancashire Hogarth'. He created numerous humorous drawings of tooth extractions that documented the quackery and crude techniques prevalent in 1700s dentistry and remain valued collectible artworks today.
What extraction methods did 18th-century tooth drawers use?
Historical caricatures show tooth drawers used string, tongs, and hot coals held against the patient's skin. The heat caused the patient to jerk their head backwards reflexively, with the intention that this movement would dislodge the tooth. These methods often failed unless the tooth was already excessively mobile.
Where is the largest collection of Tim Bobbin's artwork held?
The largest collection of John Collier's work is held by the museum in Rochdale, Lancashire. His cartoons remain universally recognised as highly desirable pieces of artwork and provide a window into dental practice during the 1700s.
Why did pubs in Lancashire bear Tim Bobbin's name?
John Collier spent considerable time drinking with friends and selling his paintings in pubs across Lancashire. In tribute to his social presence and artistic legacy, several pubs were affectionately named 'The Tim Bobbin', honouring both his artistic pseudonym and his frequentation of public houses.
