Prof Brendon Noble, the Director of IHUL, and Garry Hunter, IHUL Advisory Board Member attended the opening of The Artist Who Draws Cancer Patients, a powerful exhibition by artist Simon Tolhurst at the Coningsby Gallery, Tottenham Street, London. The exhibition ran from 4–16 August 2025, with a private view on 7 August and an artist’s talk on 14 August.

The exhibition showcased drawings made during Tolhurst’s decade-long residency with UCLH Charity, Haematology Cancer Care, between 2013 and 2023. Over this period, he produced hundreds of portraits of patients undergoing treatment for cancer or haematological conditions at University College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust. Many portraits were created during chemotherapy sessions and often included the patient’s loved ones in double or group compositions.

By presenting these works publicly, the exhibition provided an opportunity for audiences to reflect on the human dimension of medicine. The drawings highlight not only the vulnerability of patients but also the strength, dignity, and companionship found in treatment settings.

Following his visit, Prof Noble remarked:

“Having viewed Simon Tolhurst’s exciting and deeply moving work, we are now meeting to discuss ways we might cooperate in the future. His art opens conversations that matter, and we are keen to explore how IHUL can support and collaborate.”

Tolhurst’s project has already gained national recognition, having been featured by the BBC, ITV, and other media outlets. This exhibition reinforced the growing importance of the arts in health, demonstrating how creative practice can support patients, families, and practitioners by offering empathy and emotional resilience alongside clinical care.

IHUL’s attendance at the exhibition reflects the Institute’s commitment to exploring diverse approaches to health and wellbeing, recognising that arts and health together can make vital contributions to patient experience and community care.

Details of IHUL’s planned ‘The Meaning of Arts and Health’ Workshop will be announced soon.