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Renowned painter's works to go on show in hospital

Aurelia Foster
BBC News
David Parry The Hogarth Stair, wooden panelled stairwell featuring Biblical-themed paintings The Good Samaritan and The Pool of Bethesda David Parry
William Hogarth painted The Good Samaritan and The Pool of Bethesda for his local hospital Barts in 1735-37

The restoration of a long-concealed stairwell in England's oldest functioning hospital, which is set to showcase two impressive large-scale paintings by the celebrated artist William Hogarth, is nearing completion.

The Hogarth Stair, decorated with paintings The Good Samaritan and The Pool of Bethesda, is being renovated as part of a £9.5m project to revamp the 1732 Grade I-listed North Wing of St Bartholomew's Hospital - known as Barts - in the City of London.

An ornate banquet room, a historic baroque gatehouse, a statue of King Henry VIII and Portland stonework are also being conserved in the project.

They are to go on display for patients, visitors and staff to enjoy from this autumn.

David Parry Scaffolding erected in the Great Hall, and its ornate gilded ceiling David Parry
The project includes the delicate restoration of the gilded ceiling of the Great Hall, intricately designed in stucco by Jean Baptiste St Michell, his only work in England.

Hogarth lived near the hospital and painted the works between 1735-37 as a gift, after learning that an Italian artist had been commissioned.

Other "heritage jewels" under conservation include the intricate gilded ceiling of the Great Hall, designed by Jean Baptiste St Michell, his only work in England.

The North Wing, first built for administrative functions, was added to the original 1123 building.

Patients have been cared for on the site at Smithfield since 1123, making it England's oldest working hospital.

"What's really important is that this is a historic building but embedded in a working hospital," Will Palin, chief executive of the charity Barts Heritage told the BBC.

"We've got this incredible opportunity to open the door and for it to become part of hospital life but also to open it to the public."

David Parry A woman in a high viz jacket on scaffolding leaning towards a painting of King Henry VIIIDavid Parry
This is painting of King Henry VIII, from an unknown artist, was hung in the Great Hall in 1738 under the supervision of William Hogarth

The two-year Sharing Historic Barts project is being led by Barts Heritage, which has leased the building from the hospital NHS trust on a long-term basis.

The National Lottery Heritage Fund contributed almost half the money behind the scheme.

Its chief executive Elish McGuiness said the site was unique and should be shared with the public.

"When we had the application we all wanted to ensure that this was not only valued and cared for, but actually people could come and see it.

"It's such a beautiful space at such an inspiring space and it's a space away from the demands of the hospital.

"To be able to step out into an eighteenth century world of beauty, even just for a few minutes, I think must be therapeutic and we're so lucky to have it here."

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