LONDON, UK.- The Royal Academy of Arts presents Paintings in Hospitals until 16 June 2005. This exhibition features works by Royal Academicians from the permanent collection of the charity Paintings in Hospitals (PiH). Artists represented include Norman Ackroyd RA, Craigie Aitchison RA, Sir Peter Blake RA, Eileen Cooper RA, Albert Irvin RA, John Hoyland RA, Tom Phillips RA and Chris Orr RA. In addition, a newly commissioned portfolio of prints by eight Royal Academicians is on sale.

Ever since its foundation in 1959, PiH has been associated with the Royal Academy of Arts. Works by eminent Royal Academicians such as Gillian Ayres RA, John Bratby RA, Sonia Lawson RA, Ruskin Spear RA and Julian Trevelyan RA have all entered the charity's collection. Former president, Roger De Grey PPRA served on PiH’s acquisitions committee as did Peter Greenham, former Keeper of the Royal Academy Schools. Mary Fedden RA and the late Sir Terry Frost RA are two of the most popular artists represented in the collection. Both artist have supported the charity’s development over the years with several generous donations to fundraising events.

The portfolio of prints has been launched to celebrate the 45th Anniversary of PiH. The portfolio has been generously supported by Hiscox and includes works by Norman Ackroyd RA, Craigie Aitchison RA, Sir Peter Blake RA, Eileen Cooper RA, Albert Irvin RA, John Hoyland RA, Tom Phillips RA and Chris Orr RA. The prints are for sale either individually or as a complete set. The proceeds will further the development of the Paintings in Hospitals Collection, enabling the charity to lend more works of art to a greater number of hospitals.

PiH has built up a collection of over 4000 original works, which are lent to NHS hospitals, hospices and other healthcare organisations for display. The charity aims to ‘enhance the healing environment for the benefit of patients, staff and visitors.’ For more information about PiH visit www.paintingsinhospitals.org.uk. The Sir Hugh Casson Room for Friends of the Royal Academy is open to the public from 4pm to 6pm daily.