Coming to GOSH

GO Create!
Arts and Humanities programme

Creative projects

Photographer in residence

History of photography at Great Ormond Street Hospital

There is a strong tradition of photography at GOSH - the archive department holds many of the earliest images of the hospital, the patients, even the equipment – as well as these early documentary images we have been photographed by a wide range of artists from students to world class photographers for the Wishing Well appeal back in 1987.

Photography today

GOSH is over 150 years old and two-thirds of the hospital urgently needs to be upgraded or rebuilt as part of the redevelopment programme. Current clinical facilities are overcrowded and there is a lack of physical space within the old, outdated buildings. During the redevelopment programme we will be redesigning how we work to give a better, more flexible, convenient and comfortable service for our patients and their families. This will not only transform the physical environment of GOSH but will transform the future of paediatric healthcare.

GOSH’s buildings, as we know them today, will be unrecognisable. During this time of change we feel that it is important to document the old facilities we have come to know and love as well as all of the new facilities that will result from this ambitious redevelopment programme. As the redevelopment programme takes place over many years the people behind this unique organisation will also change and we would like to document those, who along the way, make Great Ormond Street what it is – from the Chief Executive, doctors, nurses, children, the office based staff to the builders who make it all happen. To document the massive changes ahead we hope to introduce an ongoing Photographer in Residence Programme.

Photographer in residence programme to date

At present, Phase 2 of the Redevelopment is concentrating on the demolition of some of our old buildings (Nurses Home Annex, Southwood (A Wing), Barrie Wing and the ICH/Cardiac Link Bridge) to make way for Phase 2a of the Redevelopment – the Morgan Stanley Clinical Building.  

Kevin Nicol is the first Photographer in Residence and is documenting the demolition of the old buildings (mentioned above) in an artistic, colourful and vibrant way. In addition, images of those people who are making these changes happen, or supporting the work, are being captured. The photographs are also intended to evoke the sounds and echoes of activity and celebrate the spirit of GOSH at this time.

Session 1: Monday 17 March

A selection of images of the Great Ormond Street Hospital site in March 2008 - including an overview of Southwood (A Wing) and Barrie Wing; exterior of Southwood (A Wing); interior furnishings found in Southwood (A Wing); Main Nurses Home Annex from Guilford Street; ICH Link Bridge; erection of scaffolding on Main Nurses Home Annex and some images of the site being prepared for demolition.

Session 2: Saturday 26 May

Selection of images documenting the erection of the Tower Crane at Great Ormond Street Hospital. The Tower Crane will be used to facilitate the demolition and removal of the Main Nurses Home Annex, Barrie Wing, Soutwood (A Wing) and the ICH/Cardiac Link Bridge.

As the Redevelopment progresses it is hoped that the Photographer in Residence Programme will become an ongoing project. Engaging a photographer throughout the Redevelopment will allow us to open up a greater understanding of the hospital (through images); this process of change and why it is needed; the richness of the site; GOSH’s sense of community and the physical space the hospital occupies.

If we are successful at initiating an ongoing programme, Photographers will be encouraged to run workshops for patients and staff - giving those being treated and working at GOSH the opportunity to learn and understand photographic techniques and be involved in the documentary process.

Agreed and approved methods of demolition are being used and the appropriate environmental control measures will be in place throughout the works. For more information about the Redevelopment programme please contact redevelopment@gosh.nhs.uk