Exhibition of toys from Herbert Art Gallery and Museum goes on display at University Hospital

A display of historic toys that aims to make hospitals a less daunting to visit and support patient recovery has gone on display.

University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire (UHCW) NHS Trust has teamed up with the Herbert Art Gallery and Museum to showcase a first exhibition from the museum’s toy collection.

The exhibition features toys from the museum’s toy collection, with some dating back more than 200 years, and some with poignant connections to Coventry.

Arts Co-ordinator, Emma Linnane, said: “This has brought so much warmth and nostalgia to our patients, visitors and staff.

“We want our art collection to bring a smile and spark up conversation, so we are thrilled to be welcoming the Herbert into the hospital to help tell a few stories of our amazing city.”

The exhibition, which is due to stay until next Spring, can be found on the ground floor along the main corridor leading to Outpatients.

Funded entirely by donations to UHCW Charity, the Arts at UHCW programme brings colourful exhibitions, music and creative arts residences into the Trust.

UHCW Charity Director, Jo O’Sullivan, said: “Thanks to donations from our fantastic local supporters, Arts at UHCW makes visits to our hospitals so much better for patients and their families, through collections like this on site.  You can help this wonderful work to continue by donating to UHCW Charity online at https://www.uhcwcharity.org.”

It is hoped the initiative will bring interesting and enjoyable new displays to hospital users and visitors, exposing the museum to a potential new audience.

Martin Roberts, Curatorial Manager at the Herbert, added: “We’re thrilled to be working with UHCW for this wonderful programme.

“Everyone should have access to art and museums, so this is an opportunity for the Herbert to reach new audiences.

“But hopefully the colourful vibrancy of the display will also make the hospital less daunting for inpatients and visitors alike.