Hospital's Hogarth opens to public for first time

The building has not been accessible to the public since it was built nearly 300 years ago

Two of William Hogarth's masterpiece murals are available for the public to admire in person for the first time.

The North Wing at St Bartholomew's Hospital has opened following a £9.5m restoration project.

The Grade I-listed building contains the Hogarth Stair, part of architect James Gibbs' 1730s redesign, which is surrounded by the large scale paintings The Pool of Bethesda and The Good Samaritan.

Pro Charles Knight, chief executive of the hospital, said the renewal work stood "as a lasting legacy of our recent 900th anniversary, connecting centuries of medical excellence with our rich heritage."

St. Barts Hospital celebrated its 900th anniversary in 2023

The North Wing was built in 1732 to help run the hospital and raise money for it, but fell into decline as the hospital prioritised clinical areas.

Sharing Historic Barts project has prepared the building for a new life as a visitor attraction, cultural venue, and commercial events space.

Chief executive of the project, Will Palin, said "leading craftspeople from across the country" brought "this unique building and its spectacular interiors back to life".

He said the hall had "recaptured its beauty and dignity" and would inspire visitors, host events, and support the health and recovery of patients and staff.

The North Wing fell into decline in recent decades, as the hospital prioritised clinical areas

William Hogarth offered to paint the Great Hall and staircase for free so he could make sure Italian artist Jacopo Amigoni did not win the commission - and could therefore prove an English artist could excel in grand historical painting.

An ornate banquet room, a historic baroque gatehouse, a statue of King Henry VIII and Portland stonework have also being conserved in the project.

This includes the intricate gilded ceiling of the Great Hall, designed by Jean Baptiste St Michell, his only work in England.