“When we first went into lockdown, people were very much physically avoiding contact but I noticed that they were also avoiding eye contact. And now since everyone is wearing masks I have noticed that people are almost searching out to look at people’s eyes.
I believe it’s because we need that reassurance that we can still have some form of contact on an emotional level. Especially as a patient. I firmly believe that every single person within the Trust has at some time given reassurance, even just acknowledging another person, by making the effort to make eye contact.”
The artist Jo Keeley has painted over 400 portraits, and many are shared here with kind permission of the artist and the sitter. Three portraits have been donated directly to the George Marshall Medical Museum’s permanent collection.
We have also recorded the oral histories of a few members of staff to add to our Oral History collection at the George Marshall Medical Museum.
Special contributions
Some of the participants have submitted more than just their portrait. Please click on the image in this section to read more. More will follow as more portraits are submitted by the artist for this exhibition. To submit your own memory of the Covid-19 pandemic, please visit this page.
about the artist
After gaining her degree in Art and Design, Jo Keeley began working as a Medical Laboratory Assistant at the Biochemistry Department at Alexandra Hospital, Redditch. She went on to work in the laboratories at Worcestershire Royal Hospital, where she spent a further four years completing a Masters in Fine Art. She now works as a Screening Technician in the AAA Screening Programme at Worcestershire Royal Hospital, where she travels throughout Herefordshire and Worcestershire.
“With thanks to the George Marshall Museum with special thanks to Louise Price because without her support and a lot of hard work this online exhibition would not have happened. To my Father Bernard Seale who has supported me and donated to help keep buying the materials to keep painting. And to Bill Talbot who donated art materials so that I could get this project off the ground. To all the staff who have been brave enough to take part in this exhibition, and donated to help me keep painting. To all staff who work within the NHS and this Trust. Thank you for all you do! You are so valued. Jo.”
Follow Jo on Instagram @jokeeley1450
All images on this page are reproduced with kind permission of the artist.
Joanne Keeley