Saint John's Hospital, Canterbury 1845

Peter De Wint captured Saint John’s Hospital in Canterbury with watercolor on paper. De Wint lived during a time of enormous social upheaval in England, including the industrial revolution and the shift from agrarian to urban life. In this watercolor, De Wint shows us a slice of life that raises questions about the lives of the working class. We are confronted with the lived realities of women performing domestic labor as well as the figures who appear to be patients at the hospital. The work provides a glimpse into the lives of those often unseen, whose experiences are woven into the larger historical narrative. De Wint’s painting prompts us to reflect on the history of social welfare and the individuals who relied on such institutions. It encourages a consideration of the diverse experiences of people in the 19th century.