A Historic Journey Through St Bartholomew’s: Marie Skuce Joins Women in Property South East for Exclusive Tour

On 3rd February, Marie Skuce joined Women in Property South East for a rare and private visit to the newly renovated and meticulously restored Grade I listed North Wing at St Bartholomew’s Hospital, EC1. As London’s oldest working hospital, St Bartholomew’s—known affectionately as Barts—holds centuries of architectural, artistic, and medical heritage, much of which has been brought back to life through recent conservation work.

During the visit, the group enjoyed a guided tour led by the Chief Executive of Barts Heritage, offering exclusive insight into some of the site’s most treasured spaces. The tour began at the Hogarth Stair, originally designed by architect James Gibbs in the 1730s. This iconic staircase is home to two remarkable paintings by William Hogarth: The Pool of Bethesda and The Good Samaritan. Painted in 1736–37, these masterpieces were famously created free of charge, as Hogarth sought to demonstrate that British artists could rival their European contemporaries.

Marie described the experience as “so fun,” praising the recently restored Hogarth paintings as “fabulous” as visitors ascended the historic staircase. The conservation efforts have now made this space accessible to the public once again, offering an opportunity to appreciate Hogarth’s artistry in its original setting.

The tour continued to the first floor, revealing the breathtaking interior of the Great Hall. With its ornate detailing and period features, the space reflects the grandeur of 18th-century design and stands as one of the hospital’s most significant historic assets.

Reflecting on the visit, Marie shared:
“It was really interesting to speak to heritage surveyors to get their take on restoring a property of this age and size.”

The event offered a unique blend of art, architecture, and professional insight—highlighting not only the cultural importance of St Bartholomew’s but also the complex and rewarding challenges involved in heritage restoration.