To understand the origin of plastic surgery in the Leeds region it is necessary to consider the practice of surgery as it was before the National Health Service and before World War II. The General Infirmary at Leeds was the teaching hospital, a long-established voluntary hospital at the height of its fame, basking in the reflected glory of Lord Moynihan’s work and writings. It served the whole county and its reputation as a surgical centre was widely recognised. The surgical service was largely the responsibility of the surgical tutors and resident surgical officer, with supervision and criticism from the visiting consultants whose services were unpaid. The young surgeons worked incredibly hard. Each was expected to take a special interest in a newly emerging field of general surgery, or to acquire a fresh skill, before reaping his just reward by being elected to join the consultant staff, and so to engage in private practice which was the only source of livelihood.