New Banksy work appears at hospital – as note is left by artist
Written by News on 07/05/2020
A new Banksy artwork paying tribute to NHS workers has appeared in a hospital corridor.
The piece, called Game Changer, is on view at Southampton General Hospital and was left with a note for hospital workers.
It read: “Thanks for all you’re doing. I hope this brightens the place up a bit, even if it’s only black and white.”
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The artwork shows a young boy playing with a nurse superhero toy, while figures of Batman and Spider-Man lie untouched in a waste paper basket on the floor.
The nurse wears a cape, face mask and white apron and has her arm raised as if she is flying.
The piece will eventually be put on public display and later auctioned to raise money for NHS charities, a spokeswoman for Banksy confirmed.
Paula Head, chief executive of University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, said the piece would help “boost morale” of hospital staff.
“Here at Southampton, our hospital family has been directly impacted with the tragic loss of much loved and respected members of staff and friends,” she said.
“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.”
The hospital has previously paid tribute to two of its workers, Mike Brown, 61, and Katy Davis, 38, who both died after contracting coronavirus.
Mr Brown was a linen porter who had worked at the trust for 20 years, and was described as a popular member of staff with a good sense of humour.
He died on 29 April in the hospital’s critical care unit.
Ms Davis worked in child health and was described by Ms Head as a “nurse people would aspire to be like”.
She had been unwell for some time before she was admitted to hospital and died on 21 April.
In April, a face mask was placed over one of Banksy’s world-famous pieces in Bristol – The Girl with the Pierced Eardrum.
(c) Sky News 2020: New Banksy work appears at hospital – as note is left by artist
