3-021-614 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

The new Infirmary at Leeds, now occupied by the National Art-exhibition, opened by the Prince of Wales on Tuesday, 1868. 'This exhibition is held mainly for the benefit of the funds of the infirmary, but the Leeds Mechanics' Institution has a share in it...[The building] was designed by the architect Mr. Gilbert Scott, R.A., on the French "pavilion" or "block" system...Each of the wards being a separate detached building, light and air will be freely admitted to every sick-room; and the noxious atmosphere generated by disease will be dispersed immediately...As it was found that the total expenditure would be about £25,000 more than the funds in hand, the Infirmary committee determined to raise the money required by holding the present Art-Exhibition, making use of the wards for picture-galleries'. From "Illustrated London News", 1868.