Explore our collection

From Barbara Hepworth to Eduardo Paolozzi, we have amassed a vibrant collection for use in public and private spaces.

20th century art

In the 20^th century , many of the works acquired were prints from contemporary and emerging artists. Print making in the 20^th century was creative and experimental as photography was increasingly used instead of prints for reproduction.

The prints collected were progressive, embodying the new principles of abstraction developed and taught in art schools. In Abstraction the art does not necessarily depict recognisable scenes or objects but composes of forms and colours that exists for their own expressive sake.

Limited records of collecting principles means we do not know why individual works or series have ended up in the collection, but it is likely a combination of several factors. St Thomas’ was partially damaged during the Second World War and an ambitious modern rebuild, completed in 1975, expanded and improved the North Wing of the hospital. Therefore, it is likely collectors acquired these works to fit with this new aesthetic.

The busy environment of the hospital with bright lights calls for more robust works rather than light sensitive watercolours or the fragile frames of older paintings. Contemporary prints, robustly framed and in bright colours are likely to have been viewed as a fitting solution. Prints, often created and collected in series’, can identify and bring cohesion to a space and fit around the needs of the area.

The works listed below are a selection of the several hundred in the collection.

Royal Albert Hall by Alison Neville

Etching and aquatint

This lively picture captures the architectural details of the Hall. The combination of etching for the fine clear lines of the building and confidently applied aquatint renders the place immediately recognisable and full of life.

St Thomas’ Hospital Under Construction by David Gentleman

1975, lithograph

Gentleman catches both the minute details of the environment around St Thomas’ and the busy construction work. This wide panoramic of the hospital shows the historic and modern buildings, the view from the Palace of Westminster across the river.

Royal Albert Hall, Alison Neville, etching and aquatint, S2002.73

Royal Albert Hall, etching and aquatint, S2002.73 © Alison Neville

St Thomas’ Hospital Under Construction by David Gentleman

St Thomas’ Hospital Under Construction, 1975, lithograph, S2000.87 © David Gentleman

Rangatira I and II by Barbara Hepworth

1970, screen prints

Hepworth was at the forefront of the British abstraction movement, though better known as a sculptor she also made prints. Rangatira I and II are from her Opposing Forms series, this she described as sculpture in the two dimensions.

Rangatira I and II, 1970, screen prints, S.2002.529, S.2001.279 Barbara Hepworth © Bowness’

Contemporary art

The collection of Guy’s and St Thomas’ Foundation is continuously growing. Our contemporary works are acquired from galleries, studios, and artists and the collection also grows through commissions.

This open approach to new art works allows us to agilely fulfil the ambition to use the collection to improve the environment across the hospital sites. Furthermore, commissioning increases the relevance of the works. Patients and staff either create the work with artists, or they are the source of inspiration for pieces.

Research shows that, for both physical and mental health, there are numerous positive outcomes from having the arts in a healthcare setting. This includes both art on display and creating works.

The works in the collection, whether acquired or commissioned, benefit the environment in a range of ways; this includes emotional needs, reflecting the experience or work of the patients and staff. Furthermore, this also includes responding to functional needs of the built environment.

The works listed below were all commissioned for the Guy’s and St Thomas’ Hospitals. They all aim to be patient and staff centric, of benefit to those experiencing the environment.

Blossom Explosion by Gina Glover

2009, lambada photographic print

Glover undertook a one-year residency at the Assisted Conception Unit, Guy’s Hospital. In collaboration with staff and users, produced a body of artwork that symbolised their work, including conception and patient journey. Blossom Explosion is one of several works from this residency in the Foundation’s collection.

Cross the Divide by Rick Kirby

2000, steel and granite

Commissioned for the millennium. This piece symbolises the relationships of trust and help that exist between patient and healer, and the joining together of Guy’s and St Thomas’ hospitals.