Singing the Pavilion Blues
As we continue our series of exhibitions in partnership with Brighton & Hove Museums, we are pleased to open ‘Singing the Pavilion Blues’ – a Disability History Month exhibition remembering our Armed Forces.
The exhibition reflects the stories of the Pavilion Blues: First World War soldiers with amputations who were receiving treatment at The Royal Pavilion during its time as a Military Hospital from 1916-1920. The patients called themselves the ‘Pavilion Blues’ due to their blue hospital uniform. This inspired the title of the Pavilion Blues magazine, a monthly publication, which was produced entirely on site. It included poetry, cartoons and articles submitted by patients and staff, and reproduction copies are available at the exhibition.
This free exhibition has been generously sponsored by Blatchford Mobility, with a selection of their modern equipment on display – a stark comparison to what was available 100 years ago.
Located in the Heritage Space – our de-consecrated Grade II Listed Victorian chapel that was rebuilt, tile by tile, panel by panel, pane by pane, in the south-western corner of the Louisa Martindale building – the exhibition is open for patients, staff and visitors. Last week, the exhibition officially opened, welcoming members of the Trust’s Armed Forces Network, Disabled Staff Network and Board members.
Visitors have been sharing their thoughts:
If you are visiting, staying in or working at the Louisa Martindale Building and would like to view the exhibition, please ring the doorbell on the Heritage Space entrance during the typical opening hours of Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm, and a member of our team may be able to show you around. Alternatively, please head over to the main entrance to speak to Bill at the charity desk who will happily assist your visit. On the rare occasion nobody is available during opening hours, please email uhsussex.charity@nhs.net to arrange your visit for another time.
Thank you @OfficialBHAFC for spreading some festive cheer on Bluefin Ward last week ⚽
Players and Sally the Seagull visited the children at Worthing Hospital to hand out presents and chat to patients and their families 🎁
Niamh said: “It cheered me up and made me happy!" 💙
