Damien Hirst donates limited edition rainbow artwork to Hull NHS

The artist, who grew up in Leeds, went to school in the city and studied at Leeds College of Art in the early 1980s, created his rendition of the NHS rainbow to pay tribute to the "wonderful work" doctors, nurses and other staff are doing amidst the coronavirus pandemic.

The artwork, which will be displayed in Hull Royal Infirmary from November, is made up of bands of coloured butterfly wings, one of the 55-year-old's best-known motifs, creating a "stunning and poignant" impression.

The trust is one of just two hospital trusts in the country, to receive one of the limited 'Butterfly Rainbow' prints, which the artist created in May to show support for the NHS during the international health crisis - the other being the Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust.

Damien Hirst said: "I wanted to do something to support the many people who are risking their lives to help those in need during this time of crisis.

"The rainbow is a sign of hope and I’m so pleased to have released these prints to help fund the brilliant work being done by NHS staff across the country."

All profits from sales of the limited edition artwork, a total of £1,508,172, were donated to NHS Charities Together.

Some 70 of the limited edition prints were sent to NHS trusts.

Chris Long, HUTH Chief Executive, said: "There is overwhelming evidence that shows just what a difference the arts, creative thinking and creative projects can make to hospital environments, patients, carers, visitors and staff.

"We support arts and creativity in our hospitals, and we are committed to growing this work so that we can make the best of what creative approaches and professionals can offer to healthcare – alongside our medical treatments, doctors, nurses and other clinical staff.

"We are very grateful to Damien Hirst for giving us this opportunity and for acknowledging the contribution of the NHS during the Covid-19 pandemic."

The artwork was gifted with the stipulation that it is displayed for members of the public to enjoy.

The donation supports the Trust’s commitment to the arts, outlined in Flourish – HUTH’s hospital arts strategy, which recognises that the arts and culture can keep people well, aid recovery, and help meet major challenges such as ageing, long-term conditions, loneliness and mental health.

David Haire, Project Director for fundraising at HUTH, said: "Our hospital arts programme is being recognised at a national level as good practice, as this latest donation illustrates.

"We are very proud of how far we have come since launching our strategy, and our projects are allowing the Hospital to really embrace the many ways in which creativity can enhance its work with patients, visitors and staff. Our programmes are highly valued by all who come into contact with them, because they make such a positive difference."

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James Mitchinson