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The North Wing of London\u2019s oldest hospital, dating back to 1732, unveils its restored interiors to the public after over three centuries, blending architectural preservation with cultural revival amid a \u00a39.5 million investment.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
A remarkable chapter in London\u2019s heritage is opening to the public for the first time in over 300 years, as the historic North Wing of St Bartholomew\u2019s Hospital, the oldest working hospital in the country, unveils itself following an extensive restoration project. Built in 1732 and a Grade I listed building, the North Wing boasts magnificent interiors, including the Great Hall and the celebrated Hogarth Stair adorned with paintings by the renowned artist William Hogarth \u2014 such as The Pool of Bethesda and The Good Samaritan.<\/p>\n
This ambitious restoration, led by the charity Barts Heritage, represents a \u00a39.5 million investment, supported substantially by the National Lottery Heritage Fund among other donors. The project addresses years of decline with meticulous conservation efforts that encompassed both exterior and interior works. Externally, the roof, stonework, railings, and over 160 sash windows have been restored, while internally, the painstaking restoration focused on preserving Hogarth\u2019s paintings and the intricate decorative plasterwork that adorns the stairwell and Great Hall.<\/p>\n
Will Palin, chief executive of Barts Heritage, emphasised the significant collaboration involved in the effort, noting that \u201cleading craftspeople from across the country\u201d have contributed to reviving this architectural jewel. He expressed gratitude for the funding and support that secured the future of these cultural treasures, highlighting the transformation of the North Wing into a venue for art, culture, and wellbeing at the heart of London.<\/p>\n
The restoration also dovetails with St Bartholomew\u2019s Hospital\u2019s own commemoration of its 900-year anniversary in 2023, marking a prestigious lineage that connects centuries of medical excellence with the institution\u2019s rich architectural and artistic heritage. Professor Charles Knight, chief executive of St Bartholomew\u2019s, described the revived North Wing as a \u201cjewel of the Barts community\u201d and a lasting legacy that honours the hospital\u2019s historical and contemporary significance.<\/p>\n
While the current phase of the project allows public access to the North Wing for two days each week, the overall restoration endeavour is scheduled to complete by autumn 2025. This staged approach ensures that the hospital\u2019s historic interiors are preserved and made accessible to the public in a sustainable manner, widening engagement with this unique part of London\u2019s cultural fabric.<\/p>\n
By opening the North Wing to visitors, St Bartholomew\u2019s joins a growing movement to preserve and share historic sites that weave together art, history, and public wellbeing. The hospital\u2019s ongoing activity as a medical institution alongside its newly accessible heritage spaces offers a compelling example of blending past and present to enrich urban life.<\/p>\n