The artist Damien Hirst has donated a print of one of his works to Health and Social Care as a way of thanking healthcare workers for their efforts during the Covid-19 pandemic.

He created the piece, titled Butterfly Rainbow, in May to show support for the NHS. 

It's made up of bands of coloured butterfly wings, one of the artist’s best-known motifs. 

It will go up on permanent display at the Princess Elizabeth Hospital.

HSC received the donation as it is a member of the Hospital Arts Manager Network.  Other UK hospital trusts have also received a donation of Butterfly Rainbow.

Lottie Barnes, Culture, Arts and Health Manager, says: 

"To receive this limited edition piece of artwork is such an honour I am delighted that it will be on permanent display in the Princess Elizabeth Hospital.    

To honour our health and care professionals it will originally be displayed as part of a wider exhibition of artwork that was created or gifted during lockdown in the Bailiwick."  

When he was asked earlier this year about the Butterfly Rainbow artwork earlier this year, Damien Hirst said he wanted to do something to support the many people who are risking their lives to help those in need during this time of crisis.

He says: "The rainbow is a sign of hope and I’m so pleased to have released these prints to help fund the brilliant work being done by NHS staff across the country." 

The exhibition will open in November.