Family is Community: a tribute to those making the NHS a success
Published: 22 November 2019
A piece from the Family is community exhibition at St George's.
To celebrate the launch of the ‘Family is Community’ art exhibition, displayed in the new space near the University’s main reception, we spoke to Margot Turner (Senior Lecturer in Diversity and Medical Education) who has worked with a local artist to bring the project to life.
“Family is community was inspired by our Windrush exhibition last year, which focused on the contribution of the Windrush generation to the NHS,” says Margot. “As a result of this exhibition we received lots of positive feedback from both our staff and students. They commented that for the first time they felt represented and that this was a real picture of the NHS.
“After such strong feedback, the exhibition was something that I knew was important to replicate, and now we have this new display space, it seemed like a perfect opportunity.”
Margot worked alongside local artist Jeni Manning to conceive and establish the exhibition. Jeni has a close connection to Tooting, having attended a local girl’s school in the area, where she still lives. Both her and her son were born at St George’s Hospital.
When asked about her inspiration Jenny said;
“The exhibition came about when asked by the University to address the importance of identity. These images represent a part of my identity,” says Jeni, when asked about her inspiration for the exhibition.
The exhibition itself captures the life of Jeni’s mother, who came to the UK in the 1950s to join the NHS as a nurse. It celebrates the contribution of those who have come to the UK have made through working in the NHS.
“My mother Teresa came to England in 1955 at the age of twenty to pursue a career in nursing,” Jeni explains. “The work on show consists of cherished family portraits featuring members of my family I had never met, but who have shaped my past regardless. The celebration of the life they have made and the home they have created in Britain. The work also touches on the people who continue to shape my life today.
“This work stands as a tribute to my mother and all of those who have come here and worked tirelessly to make the NHS a success. It is my way of saying thank you.”
When asked why she believed that artwork was the best medium for showcasing identity, Margot said, “Art is often an emotional response, it can allow people to display the stories they can’t tell with words and can be interpreted in so many different ways.”
When asked if she had a favourite piece Margot responded, “It’s just the whole collective really, the story and the meaning behind it. The colours and the collage really speak to me and brighten that whole space.
“This is not just a one-off event. It is of paramount importance that we are representing the whole picture of the NHS and the people that have made it what it is.”
The exhibition is displayed opposite the Student Union shop on the ground floor of Hunter Wing and open to members of the public, staff and students.
A piece from the Family is community exhibition at St George's.