A HIDDEN HISTORY:
African Women and the
British Health Service
1930–2000
The 'Hidden history' mural series pays homage to the pioneering African women in healthcare before and after the formation of the NHS. YHP produced commemorative murals in collaboration with hospitals across the UK with the aim of highlighting the contributions of African women, whose links to the history of medicine in Britain are widely unknown and under–researched. The murals can be viewed at Royal United Hospital, Charing Cross Hospital, and Guy's Hospital. Further information about the murals, the installation process, and reflections from hospital administration can be found on the page below. Our online exhibition of the murals includes biographies of each woman depicted and a bibliography to inspire further reading.
YHP worked with Heritage Interpreter and Bristol–based artist, Michele Curtis. Curtis produces public artworks that celebrate Black British history, such as the Seven Saints of St. Paul's mural series and the Iconic Black Britons initiative. Our murals were funded by the Untold Stories grant, created by the Commission for Diversity in Public Realm in 2021. The grant helps communities develop public access projects that share their unique stories within the city of London.
