24-meter-long artwork celebrates NHS Staff

24-meter-long artwork celebrates NHS Staff

31 July 2024

The billboard-style artwork by Catherine Yass, titled ‘NHS Swimmers’, features ten Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust workers including doctors, nurses, and non-clinical staff. The models were selected from an open call carried out by our arts team.

The project, which depicts staff swimming underwater, is a homage to NHS workers, and was produced in 2021 during COVID-19 restrictions.

This work is part of a trailblazing public art programme across Paddington Square and is the first London-based outdoor public art commission for Yass.

"We were delighted to participate in Catherine Yass’s joyous tribute to the NHS"

Lucy Zacaria, Head of Arts

The former Turner Prize nominee and London-based artist is recognised for her photographic and film-based work. ‘NHS Swimmers’ continues her long-standing interest in exploring the relationships between public buildings and their occupants.

Catherine Yass said, “Ten NHS workers are swimming underwater, overhead down Tanner Lane. They flow down this narrow road between Saint Mary’s Hospital and Renzo Piano Studio’s new office building, reflecting the stream of people moving through to catch trains and get to work.” 

Lucy Zacaria, our Head of Arts, sat on the selection jury for the Paddington Public Arts Programme. She said, “The exciting new artworks at Paddington Square are making a big difference for the local community, including the patients and staff at St Mary’s Hospital" - something we are very much dedicated to and you can read more on here.   

“We were delighted to participate in Catherine Yass’s joyous tribute to the NHS, working with staff from our hospitals who are shown swimming underwater and yet are perceived as angels flying above Tanner Lane, representing their compassion in looking after their community every day.”

You can find NHS Swimmers among other artworks on Tanner Lane and around Paddington Square.