Looking to the Future
During the pandemic, artist Paul Digby would often see his friend Jane Morgan in the supermarket after her shift. A Critical Care nurse on the frontline of the fight against Covid-19, he watched her get more exhausted, more emotionally frayed.
“It was hard to think about what she was going through. My heart went out to her and her colleagues – in fact to all NHS staff and frontline workers.”
Slowly, he began to form the idea of a lasting tribute, to celebrate the work of the NHS in this difficult time, but also look forward to a brighter future.
The drawings here show Jane in full PPE, but she didn’t want to be depicted in the sculpture. Instead, she suggested Emily Greaves-Brayne, a young nurse on her ward who finished her training in 2020 – and stepped straight into the pandemic.
Currently Paul is fundraising to fabricate the sculpture which will be shown at Leeds Museum, Armley Mills and St James Hospital Atrium Gallery.
Looking to the Future (c) Paul Digby and Jonathan Turner 2021
Looking to the Future
Film by Paul Digby and Jonathan Turner
Staff Nurse Emily Greaves-Brayne, based at St James’s Hospital in Leeds, describes the reality of working through the Coronavirus Pandemic in a busy ICU.
Emily (c) Jonathan Turner 2021
Emily
Photograph by Jonathan Turner
(c) Paul Digby 2022
Looking to the Future
Sculpture, in mist and sunlight
“Paul’s sculpture will be an everlasting reminder of a time when we were finally
recognised for the incredible care and service we provide to the public. It is a huge
honour to be a part of his vision.
“The fear and terror I felt trying to keep patients alive will always stay with me. But
we were there for them when their families couldn’t be, and for that I feel undeniably
honoured and humbled.”
EMILY GREAVES-BRAYNE
Staff Nurse
(c) Paul Digby 2022
Looking to the Future
Sculpture, in mist and sunlight (detail)
Art (response to
the sculpture)
If caring is an art, then
She is art. She held
Those last breaths in her hands,
She left her smile
In the empty air
For someone to catch.
She turned up
As the world turned and
Turned again. She was there
When hope’s lights
Flickered and almost failed
And the long night ended
And a new day began.
lan McMillan, 2021
(c) Paul Digby 2022
Hands Clasped
Graphite on paper, 105/75cm, 2022
(c) Paul Digby 2022
Hands Touching
Graphite on paper, 105/75cm, 2022
(c) Paul Digby 2022
Nurse's Arm
Graphite on paper, 42/59.4cm, 2022
(c) Paul Digby 2021
Jane
Graphite on paper, 105/75cm, 2021 (commissioned by the Ropewalk Gallery)
(c) Paul Digby 2021
Jane (1)
Graphite on paper, 105/75cm, 2021 (commissioned by the Ropewalk Gallery)
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(c) Paul Digby 2022
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(c) Paul Digby 2022
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(c) Paul Digby 2022
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(c) Paul Digby 2022
Emily
Clay model on armature, 2021/22
“Public Art of this nature would be a great asset for Leeds and the outstanding pandemic response in our city. Additionally the ethics of the piece would fit very well with Leeds values and our objectives to diversify our public art offer looking forwards”
Tom Riordon CBE
Chief Executive, Leeds City Council
“I think this sculpture of Emily is a great idea and a moving tribute. It will represent all the NHS and care staff who, with dedication, care and compassion, looked after people with Covid. We all owe them so much and it is fitting that this representation of what they did will grace our city.”
Hilary Benn MP