Portraits for NHS Heroes

This very well-presented hardback book is the result of a very laudable project initiated by portrait painter Tom Croft; as Adebanji Alade relates in his foreword, artists have been adversely effected by the Covid pandemic and – like myself – have lost access to studios and teaching – so the idea of honouring our NHS workers through portraiture is a brilliant one, and clearly something that has the approval of the public.This volume serves to document not just our front-line workers – capturing their spirit, dedication and humanity – but it also, in a unique way affirms the power of the painted/drawn portrait to communicate on a level that prevailing forms of “high” art often fail to do.Works executed in a wide range of media are presented in full-colour plates with a few accompanying notes from artist/subject in some cases; all of the work has been made at a distance – either through Zoom sittings or photographs – not ideal conditions for painting, but most avoid the pitfall, staid “polaroid” look - a testament to the technical and creative sensibilities of all the artists who contributed.It reminds me of the wartime artists who were employed to record the face of Britain in similar, dark days.A very fine, quite uplifting volume that counters these depressing times – I hope sales are huge; do use the “look inside” option above for an idea of the content.

A number of people employed in the NHS and Supported Services were nominated by friends or members of the Public to have their portrait painted and included in this wonderful way to tell a story of how the Pandemic has effected them and their families. From the Senior Managers to the Cleaners or Social Care Needs and the finished work is Magnificent and I will hope that there will be a follow up to show how much we appreciate the NHS and should support everyone involved with this National Tresure

This is a really important book!It represents so much in terms of the people who work so hard within our NHS and a way that some have found to shine the light on them and say thank you during a terrible and very tough year.For many 2020 is a year we'd like to forget but what a way to remember. Our NHS was headlining in the news most days and these are portraits of some of the un-sung heroes. Some utterly stunning portraits and heart warming stories. Great project with a massive public response, beautifully executed and rightfully captured in this beautiful book. It's a keeper and we now need further editions!Thank you Tom Croft for your big heart in pioneering it.

What a wonderful thing.Many of the artists here have also appeared on the show ‘Portrait Artist of the year’ ... which is very pertinent - given that this book captures images of the most important people in the world this year (2020).Most of the images are utterly brilliant, the stories to go with them are often tear-jerkers - and, vitally, by buying this we give something back to these brave women & men.Instead of moaning about being locked-down, we should all stay at home and enjoy this book ... while making the lives of our wonderful NHS workers easier!

I worked in the NHS for 24 years and am still friends with some of the incredible nurses I met during that time. I wanted this book because I love art and was blown away just by the sample revealed in the Guardian review. Each painting has a story behind it, there's compassion resilience, strength and the reminder these are just ordinary people with families of their own making incredible sacrifices to care for the sick and dying in these unprecedented times. Well worth a look.

Beautiful book. Filled with gorgeous portraits of our NHS workers. There's information about most of the sitters and their portrait artists including some sitters who sadly died . A remarkable remembrance to some who lost their lives to Covid 19 in 2020 and others who continue to battle through this pandemic.. A very moving tribute.My book arrived with some slight damage unfortunately, due to the way it was packaged.

Love portraits,loveArt, love the N.H.S.and what they continue to do ,even in the worst of a global pandemic.I love that the artists were unpaid ,and this is a historical record of our N.H .S. Heroes.(Should have liked more than £2.50 to be paid from the sale of each book to N. H. S Charities though.)

This beautiful book was put together to showcase this remarkable project 'Portraits for NHS heroes', initiated by the amazing Tom Croft. It is an amazing book which shows a snap shot of one of the strangest years we have dealt with in recent times.Incredible individuals captured by incredible artists.I highly recommend! :)