Tonic Collections

Tonic Collection

The Art Collection plays an important role in the improved health and wellbeing of staff, patients and visitors with over 2,500 artworks displayed across over 30 NHS Lothian sites.

The Tonic Collection includes works by artists including Allan Ramsay, John Minton, Gordon Bryce, John Bellany, Victoria Crowe, Susan Derges, Elizabeth Blackadder, Jack Knox, Willie Rodger, Frances Walker, Leon Morocco, Sylvia Wishart, Adrian Wiszniewski, Victor Pasmore and Kenny Hunter.

Highlights from our Collection

Wilhelmina Barns-Graham, Tonic Arts Collection. From L to R: Cobalt and Orange Playing Games, Cobalt Playing Games, Cobalt and Pink Playing Games

Wilhelmina Barns-Graham

Six stunning Wilhelmina Barns-Graham screenprints were purchased using restricted funds for the Royal Victoria Building, Western General Hospital, which specialises in medicine for the elderly.
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Woodblock prints by Ilana Halperin in the Tonic Arts Collection. From L to R: Corporeal Minerology, We Form Geology, Autobiographical Trace Fossils , An air Bubble, the Potential Origin of Life

Ilana Halperin

Four striking Ilana Halperin woodblock prints from the series Geological Intimacy were purchased in 2021 and installed along the South Corridor at The Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh.
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Katie Watson’s A Divided Landscape diptych in the Tonic Arts Collection

Katie Watson

Katie Watson’s A Divided Landscape diptych was painted by the artist for the 2017 Royal Scottish Academy, New Contemporaries Exhibition.
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Alasdair Grey screenprint called May

Alasdair Gray

These bold and colourful prints by Alasdair Gray were developed from a series of black and white drawings previously published in Gray’s books. Produced with Edinburgh Printmakers, they were made in August, coinciding with the Edinburgh Festival.
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Tallulah Batley sitting in front of her Pink Parlour Print series

Tonic Arts Purchase Prize

We are delighted to support new graduates through our Tonic Arts Purchase Prize. Their exceptional works have been added to our permanent Tonic Collection and will soon be displayed at NHS Lothian sites for everyone to enjoy.
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Recent Environmental Enhancements by our Collections Team

Edinburgh Cancer Centre

We teamed up with staff at the Edinburgh Cancer Centre, Western General Hospital to pick out some incredible artwork that has helped transform the public spaces.
From calming landscapes to more abstract pieces, this mini-art gallery helps brighten up the space and fosters a warm and inviting atmosphere for patients, visitors and staff.

It’s a great testament to the profound impact art can have on enhancing spaces and improving wellbeing.

Selected artists include Elizabeth Ogilvie and Rob Page (image below), Emma Lawrenson, Francis Walker, James Fairgrieve, Kim Minuti, Louise Hopkins, Rhona Fleming and Samantha Cary.

artwork from our Tonic Collection

Royal Edinburgh Building’s E.C.T Waiting Room

Our Collection Team have recently installed three artworks in the Royal Edinburgh Building’s E.C.T. Waiting Room. Working closely with the department’s staff, three works were chosen to uplift and enhance the space. Featuring works from Linda Farquharson and Geri Loup Nolan, the waiting room’s walls are now adorned with colour and calming imagery to benefit the wellbeing of the patients who visit it.

Framing by @detailframing 

artwork and label on the wall at the royal edinburgh building's ect waiting room with two red chairs beside it

Astley Ainslie: Gate Lodge

The #TonicArts Collection Team have recently completed another artwork install at Astley Ainslie Hospital’s Gate Lodge building. Working collaboratively with the site’s staff, a selection of artworks was installed to enhance the space for those working within it. Combining subtle pops of colours and calming landscapes, the works uplift and brighten the building – making it a more calming and joyful space for the @nhs_lothian staff to work in. 
Framing by @detailframing.
Featured artworks by David Barbour, John Drysdale, Eric Prehn and Harriet Tulloch

painting and label on the wall at the gate lodge, astley ainslie

St John’s Hospital: Canteen Enhancements

We recently completed our enhancement of the canteen at St John’s, creating a more inviting and creative space for staff, patients and visitors to enjoy.

The enhancements include hanging collection artworks by Katie Watson, Tom Hammick, repainting and creating a heritage display with embroidery and photography from Lothian Health Services Archive relating to the former Bangour General Hospital in Livingston.

We hope that the colour and artworks help create a stimulating, welcoming space for people to relax in and get some breathing space in contrast to the busy, pressured wards in the hospital.

Framing by Detail Framing. Interpretation boards by Eastern Exhibition and Display.

Tonic Arts Collection enhancements at St John's Hospital Canteen

Tonic Arts Collection enhancements in the Staff Wellbeing space at Mackinnon House, Royal Edinburgh HospitalWe are delighted to have enhanced the newly refurbished Wellbeing Suites at Royal Edinburgh Hospital with artworks from our Collection. Working collaboratively with staff, the team installed artworks which reflect the calming and relaxed nature of the space. The works are now available for all NHS staff at the Royal Edinburgh Hospital to enjoy alongside the Wellbeing Suites’ programme of mindfulness events and workshops.

Artworks selected by staff include pictures by artists Adam Bridgland, Barry Smith, Gordon House, Jo Ganter, Robert T. H. Smith and Val Menon

Artwork from the Tonic Arts CollectionThe entire floor of the Memory Assessment and Treatment Service (MATS) Centre has now been refreshed with calming and peaceful artworks enhancing the space for staff and patients.

Working collaboratively with the MATS Centre staff, the team selected works from the collection which focused on themes of nature, tranquility and wildlife imagery.

Selected artists include: Christina Brodie and Euphen Alexander.
Artwork reframing by Detail Framing

A series of collection artworks installed along the corridors at Midlothian Community HospitalIn February 2024, we installed 19 artworks at Midlothian Community Hospital (MCH). We collaborated with staff to select four artists for commissions and purchases. Staff reviewed catalogues and shortlisted artists, approving final selections and commission ideas. Each corridor leading to a ward was given a distinct identity through its artwork series. Commissions included landscape paintings by Amanda Phillips and garden-inspired prints by Astrid Jaekel. Purchased works included prints by Lindy Furby and Louise Smurthwaite. This marks the first time Midlothian Community Hospital has displayed art in public areas, reflecting its community identity.

Artworks from our Tonic Collection at Leith Community Treatment CentreIn collaboration with the incredible staff at Leith Community Treatment Centre, we have successfully completed Phase 2 Centre’s enhancement works.

The first floor and Group Room has been freshly considered and curated to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. The transformation has been warmly received by both visitors and staff, making a positive impact on everyone’s experience.

The Radiology Department and Endoscopy Waiting Area have been refreshed with new art works from our Tonic Collection to enhance the environment for both staff and patients. Each work has been carefully selected and installed in order to create a warm and inviting atmosphere for all to enjoy.

Art like this helps to make hospital spaces more inviting, humanising the environment and softening the clinical setting with beauty, colour and creativity.

Selected artists include: Katie Downie, Marj Bond, James Furneaux, Carola Gordon and Erica Patterson
Artwork reframing by Detail Framing

Works from our Tonic Collection at REH, Cullen CentreAnother highlight from our Tonic Arts Collection Team is this recent install at the Royal Edinburgh Hospital’s Cullen Centre. The walls have been refreshed with colourful uplifting artworks to enhance the wellbeing of both staff and patients.

Artists selected include: Jonas Brwood, Linda Farquharson, and Tom Pigeon
Works framed by Detail Framing

'River' by Alan Kilpatrick displayed in the ICU corridor at the Royal Infirmary of EdinburghWe recently installed ‘River’ by Alan Kilpatrick in the corridor leading to the ICU at Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh. This stunning artwork, donated by the artist to the Tonic Arts Collection, is a gift to the dedicated staff at RIE.

Inspired by the artist’s childhood in India and the natural world, the piece incorporates elements of turmeric, cumin, henna, and other therapeutic spices.