Waterford Watercolours: County & City Infirmary

In medieval times there was a leper hospital in Stephen Street endowed by King John and administered by the Corporation. It was closed in the late 18th century on the grounds that leprosy no longer existed in Ireland, but was then re-established as a private charity for the sick and maimed poor. The present building on John's hill is the work of local architect John Roberts and opened in 1785. It became the County and City Infirmary in 1897, and closed in 1987.

This painting is part of a collection of watercolours of Waterford by local artist John O'Regan, commissioned by Waterford Civic Trust and sponsored by local bodies and companies. This particular painting was sponsored by Waterford Castle Ltd.

The watercolours were published in a diary for 1992,'93 and '94 after which they were donated to the municipal art collection of Waterford City Council.