On Tuesday 6 October, a series of prints by renowned British artist Eric Ravilious were unveiled in the staff restaurant at Eastbourne District General Hospital.
The prints were purchased by the Friends of Eastbourne Hospital from Towner gallery, which holds an extensive collection of Ravilious’ work. The donation was made possible through the support of Terry Henson, a trustee of the Friends, who worked with Towner to curate the selection now on display.
Eric Ravilious is widely celebrated for his watercolour depictions of the South Downs and other English landscapes. The collection on display includes several familiar local scenes, including Cuckmere Haven and its distinctive meandering river channel.
The donation forms part of the Arts in Healthcare project, which recognises the positive impact that art can have on mental health and wellbeing. The staff restaurant was chosen as the ideal location for the artworks so they can be enjoyed by colleagues from across the trust.
The unveiling was marked by speeches from the Mayor of Eastbourne, MP Josh Babarinde and Friends of Eastbourne Hospital Chairman, Dr Harry Walmsley, who all welcomed the addition of the artwork to the hospital.
Dr Harry Walmsley said:
“We know that art within the hospital is hugely beneficial to patients and staff, so it was a pleasure that the Friends were able to purchase these pictures for the staff restaurant. Our thanks to Friends’ Trustee Terry Henson for obtaining these from the Towner Art Gallery.”
We would like to thank the Friends of Eastbourne Hospital for their generous donation, which will be enjoyed by staff for years to come.