Artist Seren Metcalfe, who graduated from the Slade School of Fine Art last year, kindly donated one of her digital artworks to NELFT earlier this year. The artwork was originally displayed at the NHS Nightingale Hospital London and is now in situ at our Trust Headquarters for staff and visitors to enjoy.

The untitled piece is inspired by the River Thames as NHS Nightingale Hospital London was based at the Royal Docks. During her research, Seren discovered the Royal Docks is the location for one of the world’s largest triathlons. The piece also reflects the rich history of the Docks with the old cobbles, industrial shapes and green hills. And now the pandemic and the NHS response to it is also part of this history.

Seren said “The blue tones of the water are intended to be reflective and calming, important for both our NHS healthcare workers at this time as well as patients and their loved ones. The swimmers reference the triathlon and symbolise moving forward as we all find a way through the impacts of the pandemic.”

Our Chief Executive, Oliver Shanley, said “I would like to thank Seren on behalf of all our colleagues and patients for her thoughtful and very kind donation. I am very pleased that we will continue to benefit from this beautiful artwork now that it has a new home at our Trust HQ.”

Seren graduated from The Slade School of Art, UCL with a First Class honours degree, winning the prestigious Clare Winsten Memorial Award. In addition to this in 2019 she won The Herbert Seaborn Memorial Prize. Whilst in her final year of studying she was also appointed Artist in Residence for UCL EAST. You can find out more about at www.serenmetcalfe.co.uk