Artwork of the Month: Cornwall, Coastal View Sea Mist by Patricia Espir
01 September 2026
This month, the Artwork of the Month was chosen by attendees of the first Paediatric Psychology Youth Forum event. The Paediatric Psychology Youth Forum brings together young people with experience of psychology services to have their voices heard and influence how services are delivered. It offers opportunities to connect with peers, build confidence and skills, create resources, co-facilitate groups, and take an active role in recruitment and service improvement.
Our Art Collection Officer, Rachel, hosted an in-person Artwork of the Month vote at the event. The participants were invited to choose their favourite from three artworks shortlisted on the theme of 'Summer Holidays'. The most popular artwork was 'Cornwall, Coastal View Sea Mist' by Patricia Espir.
About the artwork:
This artwork is an acrylic on canvas painting. The broad brush strokes and texture of the layered paint bring a dynamic feel to the painting, mimicking the movement of the ocean and clouds.
When participants approached the Artwork of the Month stand, it was remarkable how many were immediately drawn to this painting. A few commented that it was 'pretty', 'calming' and 'peaceful'. Others shared that it reminded them of 'happy family moments', like swimming in the sea with their family. Another participant particularly liked this artwork because it depicts Cornwall, where they love going on holiday. The artwork had a powerful ability to evoke feelings and fond memories.
This artwork can be found in Lanesborough Wing at St George's Hospital.
About the artist:
Patricia Espir (1934-1999) was born in London and spent her childhood in Egypt. She returned to England to study at the Royal Academy. She later exhibited work at Royal Academy Summer Exhibitions, Chelsea Art Show, as well as in international solo exhibitions. She studied domestic science under Constance Spry and Rosemary Hume, and wrote two cookbooks: 'Middle Eastern Cooking' in 1955 and 'My Family Cookbook' in 1995.
Espir's paintings include landscapes, interior scenes and portraits. She painted in an impressionstic style, using a rich colour palette.
Arts St George’s (part of St George’s Hospital Charity) is the arts programme for St George’s University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. To find out more, follow us on socials @artsstgeorges, or follow Arts St George's - St George's Hospital Charity.
'Our Hospital: conserving, curating and responding to St George’s Art and Heritage Collection’ is a three-year project, supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund and made possible by money raised by National Lottery players. The project is focusing on conserving, cataloguing, reinterpreting and digitising St George’s Hospital’s unique Art and Heritage Collection so it can be enjoyed by many more people.
If you would be interested in joining or finding out more about the Paediatric Psychology Youth Forum, please complete the form Youth Forum Sign up – Fill in form or email youthforum.pps@stgeorges.nhs.uk.
