Narrated by renowned broadcaster and journalist Andrew Marr, the tour allows Royal Free London patients, staff and members of the public to explore the artwork at their own pace from the comfort of their home or hospital bed.
Marr, who has generously donated one of his own paintings to the collection, guides viewers through the works, offering personal reflections and insights into the featured art.
Art offers moments of escape and reflection which are so important, particularly in a hospital environment.
The virtual art tour is primarily designed for patients who aren’t able to leave their beds to enjoy the physical collection displayed throughout the Royal Free London’s hospitals.
Jon Spiers, chief executive, Royal Free Charity, said: “Art offers moments of escape and reflection which are so important, particularly in a hospital environment. I’m thrilled that through this virtual tour, we can now share these pieces with even more people.”
The tour includes a diverse range of pieces, from intricate pencil studies to vibrant oils on canvas, showcasing the work of artists such as Noelle Sandwith, Maggie Hambling and Ed Grey.
The virtual tour builds on the success of the charity’s weekly in-person tour for patients in the Royal Free Hospital. The volunteer-led guided tour encourages patients to increase their physical activity, leading to faster rehabilitation and recuperation.
However, the virtual tour will now make this impressive collection accessible to a much wider audience, allowing people far beyond the hospital walls to discover these unique pieces.
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