What is Available to Borrowers?
The Paintings in Hospitals Collection contains over 4,300 works of art from oil paintings, watercolours and prints to digital artworks, textiles and collages; many of which are by leading artists. The collection is unique and diverse and continues to grow each year.
Some works are particularly suitable for display in reception areas, wards or corridors; others are appropriate for more intimate spaces like waiting areas or consulting rooms.
The collection is divided into four parts:- Main Loan Collection: paintings, drawings, prints, photographs, mixed media and textile pieces available for hospitals to borrow for a small rental fee, which contributes to the insurance and maintenance of the artworks.
- Prints for Hospices: original artists, prints (not reproductions) available, for a small fee, on loan to hospices.
- Childrens Collection: artworks that are appropriate for display in an environment for the younger patient which can vary from the care of babies to adolescents.
- Touring Exhibitions: a series of works which have been selected by our Senior Curator for the purpose of short term loans. These works are most suited to organisations who wish to have a changing programme of artworks.
Delivery and installation of the artwork is not included in the loan. To make an appointment to view the available works from the collection please contact your nearest regional branch of Paintings in Hospitals.
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Chris Drury,
'Heart of Stone',
photograph, 2004
'Baby at Table with Still Life',
oil on board, 1965
How Has the Collection Been Developed?
The growth of the Paintings in Hospitals collection is sustained through the generosity of many artists and individuals.
Pictures are selected by the Paintings in Hospitals’ Selection Committees. The range of the collection reflects both their diverse interests and the changing face of the art scene.
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Are the Pictures Insured?
All the pictures on loan are insured by Paintings in Hospitals subject to our standard terms and conditions. (PDF Document)
(Return to Top)Local Branch Finder
Please click on the regions of the map to see the regional branch for that area or click on the list of regional branch offices to the right.
Offices
Main Loan Collection
Artworks can be loaned for a two or three year period from the Main Loan Scheme and are renewable. Borrowers are free to exchange some or all of their pictures at any time during the loan period at no extra charge, other than the cost of collection and delivery.
All of the prints are framed under glass or perspex and are provided with labels and security fittings, which must be used when hanging in order to comply with our insurance policy. Delivery and installation of the prints is not included in the loan.
Prints for Hospices
Our Prints for Hospices scheme was set up in 1989, with an initial grant from the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation, as a complement to our main collection. This collection contains over 500 original prints and is available exclusively to hospices across the UK and Ireland.
All of the pictures in the Prints for Hospices Collection are original artists' prints (not reproductions). There are many different print-making techniques and the collection includes examples of many of these from lithography and screen-printing to etchings and lino-cuts. Prints in the collection have been selected for their quality, interest and likely appeal and new works are acquired on a regular basis from contemporary print-makers.
All of the prints are framed under glass or perspex and are provided with labels and security fittings, which must be used when hanging in order to comply with our insurance policy. Delivery and installation of the prints is not included in the loan.
Prints currently available for selection can be viewed by contacting Paintings in Hospitals.
Touring Exhibitions
Paintings in Hospitals has a selection of touring exhibitions, which are available to hire for a period of 6 or 12 months. These include:
Printed in Portugal
This exhibition comprises 28 prints by 24 different artists demonstrating various techniques. From the epic 'Ode Martima' by Bartolomeu dos Santos to the cartoon capers of 'O Amrio das Escovas' by Paula Rego, this exhibition draws together a diverse collection of images.
Café Ceuta
10 video stills by Rita Castro Neves, a young contemporary artist based in Porto working in photography. The images chosen convey something of the atmosphere of a typical café and the passing of time during one day and the relationship between inside and outside spaces.
London – Lisboa
15 works of art by a group of 6 artists connected to Lisbon, ranging from studies of pure pigment to duck wallpaper and satirical depictions of 19th Century Portuguese ladies.
Tokyo Eyes – Sequel
Colour Photographs by Tomoko Suzuki
The 24 photographs in this touring exhibition focus on the colours and intricate details found in the nature of English gardens. The aim of the artist in all her work is to push the audience to look beyond the obvious.
Tokyo Eyes – Sequel
Colour Photographs by Tomoko Suzuki
This exhibition is comprised of 14 photographs which were all taken in Japanese Tea Gardens. Suzuki’s spatial awareness and attention to detail in these beautiful photographs reflects her family background in the art of the Japanese tea ceremony.
Sakura – Japanese Cherry Blossoms
Colour Photographs by Tomoko Suzuki
The 15 photographs in this exhibition were taken in Tokyo in the Spring of 2003. Sakura, Japanese cherry blossoms or cherry trees, are culturally rooted in the everyday life of Japanese people and have been portrayed in Japanese traditional painting since the 16th Century. National television now forecasts exactly when the flowers will bloom so the population can enjoy the trees at their best. Suzuki hopes to convey the beauty and significance of the Sakura through this set of photographs.
Alexandra Reinhardt: An Extraordinary Life
15 paintings and relief sculptures. This exhibition was filmed for the BBC programme for the deaf, See Hear, a recording of which is also available along with posters, postcards and catalogues. This exhibition has been generously funded by the Max Reinhardt Charitable Trust.
50th Anniversary Print Portfolio
This portfolio of eight prints by Royal Academicians has been commissioned to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the charity. The portfolio has been generously supported by the specialist insurers Hiscox and includes works by Norman Ackroyd, Craigie Aitchison, Peter Blake, Eileen Cooper, Albert Irvin, John Hoyland, Tom Phillips and Chris Orr.
The prints are also for sale either individually or as a complete set and the proceeds will further the development of Paintings in Hospitals, enabling the charity to lend more works of art to a greater number of hospitals. For images of the works please see the print portfolio.
Cost: Free for 6 months excluding installation
Hospitals will be charged for transportation of the prints.