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Coronavirus

07th May 2020

Banksy donates artwork honouring healthcare workers to hospital

Alan Loughnane

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The artwork will be auctioned off at a later date

A new Banksy artwork paying tribute to NHS workers has appeared at Southampton General Hospital in the UK. The piece is called Game Changer and was left with a note for the hospital’s workers, which read: “Thanks for all you’re doing. I hope this brightens the place up a bit, even if it’s only black and white.”

The piece is now on view for staff and patients near the hospital’s emergency department.

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. . Game Changer

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The piece shows a boy dressed in dungarees kneeling by a waste paper basket.

The boy’s figures of Batman and Spiderman are discarded in the basket on the floor while he’s playing with his new superhero, an NHS worker.

The painting will remain at the hospital until autumn when it will be auctioned off to raise money for the NHS.

“Here at Southampton, our hospital family has been directly impacted with the tragic loss of much loved and respected members of staff and friends,” said Paula Head, chief executive of University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust.

“The fact that Banksy has chosen us to recognise the outstanding contribution everyone in and with the NHS is making, in unprecedented times, is a huge honour.

“It will be really valued by everyone in the hospital as people get a moment in their busy lives to pause, reflect and appreciate this piece of art.

“It will no doubt also be a massive boost to morale for everyone who works and is cared for at our hospital.”