A new artwork by Joe Tilson RA was installed at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital on 29 June.  

The colourful series of banners donated by the artist are now on view at the hospital are now on display from Level 3 to Level 5, the home of the new Adult Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), transforming the hospital environment for patients, relatives and staff.

Originally commissioned by Swatch and installed at the 58th Venice Biennale in 2019, the flags depict enlarged details from Tilson’s Stones of Venice series of paintings. Combining images of church facades, geometric patterns on stone flooring and written inscriptions these works draw upon Tilson’s love and knowledge of the city that has inspired him for over 60 years.

Trystan Hawkins, Director of Patient Environment at CW+, said: “We are delighted to install Joe Tilson’s banners in time for the official opening of our new ICU. With art and the physical environment playing an important role in patient, family and staff wellbeing, the banners will have a positive impact, and will be a welcome distraction for people visiting our critical care units and the hospital every day”.

This installation is part of Chelsea and Westminster Hospital's arts in health programme, which aims to create healing environments in both clinical and non-clinical spaces for patients and staff, using art as a tool to improve wellbeing and provide a calming atmosphere.