The Hand that Cared

As part of the NHS’ 75th anniversary celebrations, we are proud to be hosting a poignant new sculpture in the Cloister of the Cathedral throughout the summer.

‘The Hand that Cared’ has been created by renowned sculptor Deborah Harrison in memory of Fannie Storr, who worked for many years as a Senior Nurse in Gloucestershire before becoming the first Director of Nursing Education in Gloucestershire 1981. She devoted her life to caring for others and died during the Covid-19 pandemic.

“This hand bears the lines of time, experience and strength. Although Fannie died from natural causes, many nurses today are giving their lives in service to the sick especially to those infected with COVID-19. So the hand is a poignant reminder of the lives who have cared for others.” Deborah Harrison, Sculptor

All are warmly welcome to come and see the sculpture, which will be on display during normal Cathedral opening hours alongside a community art exhibition. Please note that between 17 July and 2 August, our opening hours will vary due to the Three Choirs Festival. Find out more here.

Find out more about the NHS 75 Community Art Exhibition here.

The sculpture was:

Selected for the 168th Exhibition for the Royal West of England Academy (RWA) Bristol.

The winner of the Sculpture Award Prize for the Southwest Academy of Fine and Applied Arts (SWAc) 2020

The winner of the Guest Judges Prize for the Southwest Academy of Fine and Applied Arts (SWAc) 2020

"’The Hand of Fannie Storr’ sensitively honours the life of a brilliant nurse, a very moving work which memorialises one of the many lost lives and one given to care, that reaffirm our shared humanity. The carving is very sensitive and imbues that one hand with such character and pathos rarely seen in a piece of stone. Many congratulations to Deborah Harrison."
Joseph Hillier (SWAc Guest Judge)