Paignton Cottage Hospital, as it was then known, was formally opened in 1891. Sir Mortimer Singer (whose portrait is featured) and Washington Singer donated the money for the construction of the hospital for the benefit of the populace of Paignton. Their family lived in the nearby Oldway Mansion and are familiar to many for their production of sewing machines. Paignton Hospital was formally taken over by the NHS in 1948 and the intervening years have seen many changes in the services provided. Currently, in 2011, the Hospital provides 28 beds in a single-sex environment with single/double and four bedrooms comprising the accommodation. The site also provides a wide range of outpatient clinics in addition to an X Ray Unit, Physiotherapy Dept and a Minor Injuries Unit. At weekends the hospital is also used by a team of ‘out of hours’ doctors providing clinical help for people from the local area. The paintings featured in this collection have all been kindly donated to the Hospital over the years.