Southwell Workhouse to display ‘Knittingale Hospital’ by award winning 94-year-old artist

An internationally recognised knitter has chosen the infirmary building at The Workhouse in Southwell to feature her lockdown creation ‘Knittingale Hospital’, a tribute to the National Health Service.
By Shelley Marriott
Published 3rd Aug 2023, 14:08 BST
Updated 3rd Aug 2023, 14:21 BST

This article contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission on items purchased through this article, but that does not affect our editorial judgement.

Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

Margaret Seaman, aged 94, is a creative artist who has been awarded a British Empire Medal for her talent in creating knitted locations which include the likes of Buckingham Palace and Great Yarmouth.

The ‘Knittingale Hospital’ was created during the Covid-19 lockdowns and is now displayed on the first floor of The Workhouse’s Firbeck Infirmary until October.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Firbeck Infirmary’s history of care pre-dates the creation of the NHS and was first built in 1871. Some of its functions included looking after local women in its maternity ward and providing end of life care for those with limited means. It was discontinued in the 1980s.

The Knittingale Hospital with Margaret Seaman (right) along with Workhouse and Infirmary staff members, Fiona Lewin and Victoria Mason HinesThe Knittingale Hospital with Margaret Seaman (right) along with Workhouse and Infirmary staff members, Fiona Lewin and Victoria Mason Hines
The Knittingale Hospital with Margaret Seaman (right) along with Workhouse and Infirmary staff members, Fiona Lewin and Victoria Mason Hines

The name ‘Knittingale Hospital’ was inspired by the influential nurse Florence Nightingale, as well as the government’s decision to construct new Nightingale hospitals to meet demand during the pandemic.

Read More
Mansfield's new volunteer police cadets sworn in and ready to serve their commun...

Fiona Lewin, The Workhouse and Infirmary collections and house officer, said: “Florence Nightingale had an interest, and was influential in, nursing across the country’s workhouses.

“The name ‘Knittingale’ is a playful reference to her and the hospitals that benefited from her actions as a nursing pioneer.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The display is raising funds for a new children’s hospital in Cambridge and donations are welcome by scanning a QR code on a visit to The Workhouse. Viewing the hospital is included in the normal site admission fees.

You can find out more about the exhibition on the Workhouse webpage www.nationaltrust.org.uk/the-workhouse.