Art exhibition celebrates the creative talents of NHS staff
Art exhibition celebrates the creative talents of NHS staff
07 January 2025
Staff and volunteers from across the Trust were invited to submit their work for our staff art exhibition, which is currently on display at Hammersmith Hospital, and which will tour St Mary’s and Charing Cross hospitals during 2025.
This show will be the third we have staged, with work by twenty participants from a variety of roles that include nurses, radiographers, psychologists, surgeons and clinical scientists.
Natalie, who works as a Reception Supervisor at Hammersmith Hospital, submitted a series of photographs for the exhibition from her first trip to Cambodia. When describing the importance of creativity in her life, she said: “I like photography because it’s a hobby that enables me to be creative and see things from a different perspective.
“It’s also my therapy. It takes me to another place and provides me with the perfect remedy when dealing with stress.”
Art can provide a sense of calm and relief from work, or can be used as a tool to improve and enhance working life in the hospitals. What’s more, there is growing evidence that engaging in arts and other cultural activities can help people stay well, recover faster, manage long term conditions, and experience a better quality of life.
This exhibition celebrates the diverse and multitalented people who make up the NHS while highlighting the importance of creative activities for self-expression and wellbeing.
Delphine Allier, Curator at Imperial Health Charity, said: “Showcasing the artistic talents of staff to our community is something we really enjoy doing. Not only does it brighten the walls of the hospitals, but it also shines a light on the benefits of getting creative.
“Many of the staff participating in this exhibition mention the positive effect painting, photography, or drawing has on their wellbeing. I hope this display shows that and inspires more people to have a go themselves.”
We believe creativity is key to our health and wellbeing, and our arts collection comprises more than 2,500 objects on display across our five hospitals.
Through a programme of permanent and temporary displays, environmental projects and bespoke commissions, we aim to improve the spaces in our hospitals, transforming the often stark and clinical areas into homely and welcoming spaces.
Alongside our curatorial activities, our comprehensive arts engagement programme brings music, dance and creativity to patients and NHS staff through artist residencies and creative workshops, both at the bedside in our hospitals and, increasingly, in our local communities, for the continued health and wellbeing of all.
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