A leading artist has captured the work of NHS staff in a new exhibition to be unveiled in the entrance at West Middlesex Hospital.

CW+, the charity of Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, has been working with illustrator and reportage artist, Emily Thomas, as part of her residency at the hospital.

And she has produced a collection of illustrations which capture and celebrate the diversity of the workforce at the hospital.

Thomas has been drawing staff at work since October 2021, producing a large number of drawings capturing the daily workings of the hospital and including busy moments, calm moments, and many friendly conversations. 

The project will form part of a wider exhibition which CW+ is developing and curating to mark the rich heritage of the hospital as part of its centenary celebrations.

By drawing on location, Emily’s drawings capture the life of staff and are a touchpoint in time of this bustling hospital and they will rightly be preserved as a historical resource as part of our new exhibition

Funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, the display will become a permanent feature in the hospital’s entrance and along with Thomas’ drawings will reflect key moments of the hospital’s past and its future plans.

Reflecting on her recent work, Thomas said: “I have thoroughly cherished the time I've spent at West Mid, and from the moment I began drawing on site every staff member has been so welcoming and friendly.

“One drawing and one conversation at a time, I have been taken on an amazing journey to meet the individuals that keep this hospital running smoothly from day to day.

“This hospital, and the community within it, is something really unique and special and I hope to convey this throughout the work I've created and celebrate the incredible team of staff." 

Trystan Hawkins, arts director at CW+, adds: “By drawing on location, Emily’s drawings capture the life of staff and are a touchpoint in time of this bustling hospital and they will rightly be preserved as a historical resource as part of our new exhibition.”

The West Mid 100 Years heritage exhibition will be unveiled this summer, with Bristol-based exhibition designers, Smith and Jones, working with CW+ to develop the concepts for the design and capture a snapshot of the fascinating stories, developments, and achievements of the hospital over the past 100 years.