victoria nightingale / the hidden hospital
18th-30th december 2008
the hidden hospital
a series of portraits of hospital workers taken over a number of visits to the royal london hospital in whitechapel, profiling the diverse and unsuspected jobs vital to the hospital’s success. the royal london hospital is undergoing a radical transformation: a modern blue, green, glass and steel ‘city’ has recently been appended to the rambling victorian architecture of the original buildings. just as the new structures begin to take shape at the end of 2008, victoria has uncovered the inner workings of the original hospital, introducing us to the people behind the trust, disarming our preconceptions, and expanding our ideas of what healthcare means and does. some of the characters featured have worked at the hospital for over 30 years and are depicted alongside their newer colleagues and professions.the whitechapel gift shop sits between the old and new hospitals and provides an excellent location for a project that spotlights vocational and caring professions, in themselves a gift. victoria’s portraits give us a glimpse behind the scenes of a hospital and institution: beautifully realized, never glamourized, they are at the same time traditional as they are modern.
as well as the main project being based around the ‘giving of life’, victoria will give each of her subjects an image to take away depicting their life and work in a positive and accurate way.
to find out more about some of the people (and the photography) behind the portraits click on their image (text by claire quinn).
the hidden hospital was produced and curated by claire quinn, with the generous assistance of vital arts, the royal london hospital and the numerous staff that participated.
special thanks also to alan lam of exhibit at golden lane estate for his valuable production advice and assistance.
to buy an edition of one of the portraits please contact the artist directly: info@victorianightingale.co.uk
victoria nightingale
victoria nightingale is known for her work in reportage and portraiture, and her distinctive style encapsulates elements of both. her natural approach and freedom of execution is beautifully reflected in her subjects’ relaxed and honest poise. victoria’s photography is an act of storytelling, both honest and intimate. commissioned work features in the face, arena and the sunday times.