Students bring York Minster Collections to life for hospital patients

Photography students from York St John University have been part of a unique collaboration with York Minster, York and Scarborough Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, and Foss Park Hospital to find new ways of showcasing the cathedral’s historic collections.

The students were offered the opportunity to photograph some of the fantastic artefacts that are not normally on show to the public. Students photographed an incredible selection of objects including prayer books from the 15th century, stunning illuminated manuscripts, a road map of Yorkshire from 1675 and, in true Yorkshire style, even a specially commissioned silver teapot. 

The work has now gone on show in York Hospital and in Foss Park Hospital opening up this unique slice of York’s history to audiences who may not be able to visit York Minster in-person. The work at Foss Park was made possible through the Converge Arts Strategy.  

The Minster Collections comprise thousands of objects that offer fascinating insights into York Minster’s past and present. Some are on display in the Minster, but many others are housed in the Old Palace which sits adjacent to the cathedral at the edge of Deans Park.  

To protect the items, they had to be photographed in situ, so specialist technicians Jen Todman and Paul Spillett from York St John set up a temporary photography studio in the Old Palace itself. Students were then supported in developing the photoshoot. 

Jen said: “It was an absolute privilege to be given the opportunity to photograph some of the wonderful artefacts from the Minster Archive. I found it very humbling and awe inspiring, witnessing the breathtaking beauty of the craftsmanship laid out before us.  

“The history and events that these objects have witnessed, the stories that they could tell! Hundreds of years of history woven into the intricate needlework, exquisite ornithological illustrations and page after page of stunning illuminated letters and handwritten text. 

“I found it very moving thinking of the hands that had created them all those years ago.” 

Kirsty Mitchell, York Minster's Curator of Collections & Interpretation said: “The 300,000 objects that make up York Minster’s historic collection each tell fascinating stories about the Minster’s past and present. They are a treasure trove, spanning almost 2,000 years of history. We are delighted to share them beyond the walls of the Minster and see how the students have interpreted them."  

Elly Ross from the Arts Team York & Scarborough Hospitals said: “The Arts Team is supported by York & Scarborough Teaching Hospital Charity to do uplifting projects to help brighten and change clinical spaces around our hospitals. This is another successful collaboration with YSJ Photography students.  

“The exhibition is proving popular for patients, visitors, and staff. Last week an ambulance crew member turned onto the corridor and immediately said “Oh WOW, these are amazing!  Brilliant!” 

Ethan Goodrich and Lewis Mitchell are two of the second year Photography students involved. Ethan said:" Participating in the exhibition was an incredible opportunity. It provided valuable experience, allowing us to learn not only the technical aspects of photography within this genre but also the essential knowledge of exhibiting work.  

“The unique invitation from the Minster Archive to photograph and document objects of significant historical importance to York and its surroundings was fascinating. The resulting display in a hospital setting created something special for both the students and the viewers. The collective work highlights the importance of community engagement through Arts in Healthcare and underscores the positive impact it builds."  

Lewis added: "It was very fulfilling knowing that the project would be used in such a way that allowed the hospital’s often closed-in community to experience the joy and inspiration that a museum would elicit, whilst ensuring they are in safe hands. It makes me, and so many others, proud that through something so simple as a photograph, you can make a small, positive impact on the world." 

Dr Christina Kolaiti, Senior Lecturer in Photography at York St John University, said: “The Minster Archives exhibition at York hospital represents a notable collection of images of artefacts, which was brought to public view through a longstanding collaboration between York St John University's BA Hons Photography and York & Scarborough Hospital Arts. This partnership developed within a sustained arts and healthcare initiative, which engages undergraduate art students and hospital audiences in a creative manner.” 

Members of the public can view the Minster Collections Exhibition on the main corridor Junction 3 at York Hospital until September 2024.