Camdcen New Journal - Letters:Save Hospital art

Publications by New Journal Enterprises

Home

Archive

Competition

Camden New Journal - LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Published:21 June 2007

Save our hospital art

• BRIAN Sewell is right to raise issues about art in hospitals prompted by the sad story of the Middlesex Hospital paintings and the new owners, (Art critic warns Tate should not buy UCLH pantings, June 7).
However, not everyone shares his opinions. On the subject of art going to private dealers as opposed to the Tate, I would propose that many of these acquisitions also fail to be seen by the public and even leave the country. On the thorny subject of art in hospitals, Mr Sewell may have watched people at the Chelsea and Westminster on an off day.
I distinctly recall seeing art when I first visited that hospital many years ago and my impression of the hospital is always linked to bright modern looking pieces of art on display.
I also spend a lot of time visiting a relative at our local St Pancras Hospital. Before I reach the ward my spirits are lifted by the often-wonderful paintings and photographs on display in the reception area.
In fact, given time and money restrictions, this is the closest I get to seeing art anywhere. I do not think that art in hospitals is such a waste of time, as Mr Sewell claims.
OWEN TAMPLIN
Weedington Road, NW5

Send your letters to: The Letters Editor, Camden New Journal, 40 Camden Road, London, NW1 9DR or email to letters@camdennewjournal.co.uk. The deadline for letters is midday Tuesday. The editor regrets that anonymous letters cannot be published, although names and addresses can be withheld. Please include a full name, postal address and telephone number. Letters may be edited for reasons of space.

Comment on this article.
(You must supply your full name and email address for your comment to be published)

Name:

Email:

Comment: