These remarkable examples of "medical folk art" date back to 1908, when a student doctor was waiting to be called to deliver a baby at Guy's Hospital in London.

With nothing else to do, the student, whose identity is not known, decided to carve the date, his initials and a vaguely gynaecological scene into the panelling.

This idle act of vandalism set in motion a tradition that lasted until 1954.

The complete series of carvings is now housed in the Gordon Museum, on the Guy's campus of King's College London.

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It depicts many national and international events, from general elections and wars to the birth of radio, the German Zeppelin attack on London and sporting victories, although always with a gynaecological twist.

Topics such as "labour unrest" and "Tube strike" are interpreted in predictable ways. Less likely is the version of the Loch Ness Monster rearing up from the depths.

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Send suggestions for this series on the sector's treasures, oddities and curiosities to: matthew.reisz@tsleducation.com.