Welcome sheet for volunteers with instructions for arrival, during a shift and at the end part of the printed signage and safety information displayed at the Hampstead Gown Factory, a Royal Free Charity volunteer project to produce surgical gowns for key workers during the COVID-19 pandemic, London 2020

During the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) was the only way for healthcare workers to protect themselves. A shortage of PPE dominated the first UK lockdown, with many key workers having to adapt existing materials or rely on volunteer pools.

One such pool was set up by the Royal Free Charity to provide surgical gowns for the Royal Free and Barnet hospitals. The self-titled Hampstead Gown Factory, based at Wac Arts in Hampstead, began making gowns from surgical drapes in April 2020.

Each morning and afternoon shift had 60 volunteers. Everyone had a set task such as sewing shoulder seams, cutting, checking, filling bobbins, quality control and packing. At peak productivity, 800 surgical gowns were made every day. Volunteers were regularly tested for COVID-19, completed a health check questionnaire and had their temperature checked on arrival, as well as observing social distancing.

Overall, 614 volunteers made 50,000 surgical gowns at the HGF. Surgical gowns cannot be made at home as they need to be produced in as sterile an environment as possible.

For many of the Hampstead Gown Factory volunteers, the project offered personal benefits too. It provided a focus during the first lockdown, was a chance to use existing skills and learn new ones, and to become part of a community not mediated by screens.

Welcome sheet for volunteers with instructions for arrival, during a shift and at the end part of the printed signage and safety information displayed at the Hampstead Gown Factory, a Royal Free Charity volunteer project to produce surgical gowns for key workers during the COVID-19 pandemic, London 2020

During the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) was the only way for healthcare workers to protect themselves. A shortage of PPE dominated the first UK lockdown, with many key workers having to adapt existing materials or rely on volunteer pools.

One such pool was set up by the Royal Free Charity to provide surgical gowns for the Royal Free and Barnet hospitals. The self-titled Hampstead Gown Factory, based at Wac Arts in Hampstead, began making gowns from surgical drapes in April 2020.

Each morning and afternoon shift had 60 volunteers. Everyone had a set task such as sewing shoulder seams, cutting, checking, filling bobbins, quality control and packing. At peak productivity, 800 surgical gowns were made every day. Volunteers were regularly tested for COVID-19, completed a health check questionnaire and had their temperature checked on arrival, as well as observing social distancing.

Overall, 614 volunteers made 50,000 surgical gowns at the HGF. Surgical gowns cannot be made at home as they need to be produced in as sterile an environment as possible.

For many of the Hampstead Gown Factory volunteers, the project offered personal benefits too. It provided a focus during the first lockdown, was a chance to use existing skills and learn new ones, and to become part of a community not mediated by screens.

Welcome sheet for volunteers with instructions for arrival, during a shift and at the end, part of the printed signage and safety information displayed at the Hampstead Gown Factory, a Royal Free Charity volunteer project to produce surgical gowns for key workers during the COVID-19 pandemic, London, 2020

During the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) was the only way for healthcare workers to protect themselves. A shortage of PPE dominated the first UK lockdown, with many key workers having to adapt existing materials or rely on volunteer pools.

One such pool was set up by the Royal Free Charity to provide surgical gowns for the Royal Free and Barnet hospitals. The self-titled Hampstead Gown Factory, based at Wac Arts in Hampstead, began making gowns from surgical drapes in April 2020.

Each morning and afternoon shift had 60 volunteers. Everyone had a set task such as sewing shoulder seams, cutting, checking, filling bobbins, quality control and packing. At peak productivity, 800 surgical gowns were made every day. Volunteers were regularly tested for COVID-19, completed a health check questionnaire and had their temperature checked on arrival, as well as observing social distancing.

Overall, 614 volunteers made 50,000 surgical gowns at the HGF. Surgical gowns cannot be made at home as they need to be produced in as sterile an environment as possible.

For many of the Hampstead Gown Factory volunteers, the project offered personal benefits too. It provided a focus during the first lockdown, was a chance to use existing skills and learn new ones, and to become part of a community not mediated by screens.

Welcome sheet for volunteers with instructions for arrival, during a shift and at the end, part of the printed signage and safety information displayed at the Hampstead Gown Factory, a Royal Free Charity volunteer project to produce surgical gowns for key workers during the COVID-19 pandemic, London, 2020

During the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) was the only way for healthcare workers to protect themselves. A shortage of PPE dominated the first UK lockdown, with many key workers having to adapt existing materials or rely on volunteer pools.

One such pool was set up by the Royal Free Charity to provide surgical gowns for the Royal Free and Barnet hospitals. The self-titled Hampstead Gown Factory, based at Wac Arts in Hampstead, began making gowns from surgical drapes in April 2020.

Each morning and afternoon shift had 60 volunteers. Everyone had a set task such as sewing shoulder seams, cutting, checking, filling bobbins, quality control and packing. At peak productivity, 800 surgical gowns were made every day. Volunteers were regularly tested for COVID-19, completed a health check questionnaire and had their temperature checked on arrival, as well as observing social distancing.

Overall, 614 volunteers made 50,000 surgical gowns at the HGF. Surgical gowns cannot be made at home as they need to be produced in as sterile an environment as possible.

For many of the Hampstead Gown Factory volunteers, the project offered personal benefits too. It provided a focus during the first lockdown, was a chance to use existing skills and learn new ones, and to become part of a community not mediated by screens.

Welcome sheet for volunteers with instructions for arrival, during a shift and at the end, part of the printed signage and safety information displayed at the Hampstead Gown Factory, a Royal Free Charity volunteer project to produce surgical gowns for key workers during the COVID-19 pandemic, London, 2020

During the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) was the only way for healthcare workers to protect themselves. A shortage of PPE dominated the first UK lockdown, with many key workers having to adapt existing materials or rely on volunteer pools.

One such pool was set up by the Royal Free Charity to provide surgical gowns for the Royal Free and Barnet hospitals. The self-titled Hampstead Gown Factory, based at Wac Arts in Hampstead, began making gowns from surgical drapes in April 2020.

Each morning and afternoon shift had 60 volunteers. Everyone had a set task such as sewing shoulder seams, cutting, checking, filling bobbins, quality control and packing. At peak productivity, 800 surgical gowns were made every day. Volunteers were regularly tested for COVID-19, completed a health check questionnaire and had their temperature checked on arrival, as well as observing social distancing.

Overall, 614 volunteers made 50,000 surgical gowns at the HGF. Surgical gowns cannot be made at home as they need to be produced in as sterile an environment as possible.

For many of the Hampstead Gown Factory volunteers, the project offered personal benefits too. It provided a focus during the first lockdown, was a chance to use existing skills and learn new ones, and to become part of a community not mediated by screens.

Welcome sheet for volunteers with instructions for arrival, during a shift and at the end, part of the printed signage and safety information displayed at the Hampstead Gown Factory, a Royal Free Charity volunteer project to produce surgical gowns for key workers during the COVID-19 pandemic, London, 2020

During the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) was the only way for healthcare workers to protect themselves. A shortage of PPE dominated the first UK lockdown, with many key workers having to adapt existing materials or rely on volunteer pools.

One such pool was set up by the Royal Free Charity to provide surgical gowns for the Royal Free and Barnet hospitals. The self-titled Hampstead Gown Factory, based at Wac Arts in Hampstead, began making gowns from surgical drapes in April 2020.

Each morning and afternoon shift had 60 volunteers. Everyone had a set task such as sewing shoulder seams, cutting, checking, filling bobbins, quality control and packing. At peak productivity, 800 surgical gowns were made every day. Volunteers were regularly tested for COVID-19, completed a health check questionnaire and had their temperature checked on arrival, as well as observing social distancing.

Overall, 614 volunteers made 50,000 surgical gowns at the HGF. Surgical gowns cannot be made at home as they need to be produced in as sterile an environment as possible.

For many of the Hampstead Gown Factory volunteers, the project offered personal benefits too. It provided a focus during the first lockdown, was a chance to use existing skills and learn new ones, and to become part of a community not mediated by screens.

Welcome sheet for volunteers with instructions for arrival, during a shift and at the end, with handwritten instructions, part of the printed signage and safety information displayed at the Hampstead Gown Factory, a Royal Free Charity volunteer project to produce surgical gowns for key workers during the COVID-19 pandemic, London, 2020

During the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) was the only way for healthcare workers to protect themselves. A shortage of PPE dominated the first UK lockdown, with many key workers having to adapt existing materials or rely on volunteer pools.

One such pool was set up by the Royal Free Charity to provide surgical gowns for the Royal Free and Barnet hospitals. The self-titled Hampstead Gown Factory, based at Wac Arts in Hampstead, began making gowns from surgical drapes in April 2020.

Each morning and afternoon shift had 60 volunteers. Everyone had a set task such as sewing shoulder seams, cutting, checking, filling bobbins, quality control and packing. At peak productivity, 800 surgical gowns were made every day. Volunteers were regularly tested for COVID-19, completed a health check questionnaire and had their temperature checked on arrival, as well as observing social distancing.

Overall, 614 volunteers made 50,000 surgical gowns at the HGF. Surgical gowns cannot be made at home as they need to be produced in as sterile an environment as possible.

For many of the Hampstead Gown Factory volunteers, the project offered personal benefits too. It provided a focus during the first lockdown, was a chance to use existing skills and learn new ones, and to become part of a community not mediated by screens.

Welcome sheet for volunteers with instructions for arrival, during a shift and at the end, with handwritten instructions, part of the printed signage and safety information displayed at the Hampstead Gown Factory, a Royal Free Charity volunteer project to produce surgical gowns for key workers during the COVID-19 pandemic, London, 2020

During the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) was the only way for healthcare workers to protect themselves. A shortage of PPE dominated the first UK lockdown, with many key workers having to adapt existing materials or rely on volunteer pools.

One such pool was set up by the Royal Free Charity to provide surgical gowns for the Royal Free and Barnet hospitals. The self-titled Hampstead Gown Factory, based at Wac Arts in Hampstead, began making gowns from surgical drapes in April 2020.

Each morning and afternoon shift had 60 volunteers. Everyone had a set task such as sewing shoulder seams, cutting, checking, filling bobbins, quality control and packing. At peak productivity, 800 surgical gowns were made every day. Volunteers were regularly tested for COVID-19, completed a health check questionnaire and had their temperature checked on arrival, as well as observing social distancing.

Overall, 614 volunteers made 50,000 surgical gowns at the HGF. Surgical gowns cannot be made at home as they need to be produced in as sterile an environment as possible.

For many of the Hampstead Gown Factory volunteers, the project offered personal benefits too. It provided a focus during the first lockdown, was a chance to use existing skills and learn new ones, and to become part of a community not mediated by screens.

A4 laminated landscape sign, with the words 'You need to stay 2 metres apart to save lives now' with the HM Government logo, part of the printed signage and safety information displayed at the Hampstead Gown Factory, a Royal Free Charity volunteer project to produce surgical gowns for key workers during the COVID-19 pandemic, London 2020

During the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) was the only way for healthcare workers to protect themselves. A shortage of PPE dominated the first UK lockdown, with many key workers having to adapt existing materials or rely on volunteer pools.

One such pool was set up by the Royal Free Charity to provide surgical gowns for the Royal Free and Barnet hospitals. The self-titled Hampstead Gown Factory, based at Wac Arts in Hampstead, began making gowns from surgical drapes in April 2020.

Each morning and afternoon shift had 60 volunteers. Everyone had a set task such as sewing shoulder seams, cutting, checking, filling bobbins, quality control and packing. At peak productivity, 800 surgical gowns were made every day. Volunteers were regularly tested for COVID-19, completed a health check questionnaire and had their temperature checked on arrival, as well as observing social distancing.

Overall, 614 volunteers made 50,000 surgical gowns at the HGF. Surgical gowns cannot be made at home as they need to be produced in as sterile an environment as possible.

For many of the Hampstead Gown Factory volunteers, the project offered personal benefits too. It provided a focus during the first lockdown, was a chance to use existing skills and learn new ones, and to become part of a community not mediated by screens.

A4 laminated portrait sign, with the words 'Coronavirus. Keep your Distance. Save Lives' with a red and yellow square box 'Protect yourself, others & the NHS. Save Lives.' with the HM Government and NHS logos and visuals of the COVID-19 virus, part of the printed signage and safety information displayed at the Hampstead Gown Factory, a Royal Free Charity volunteer project to produce surgical gowns for key workers during the COVID-19 pandemic, London, 2020

During the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) was the only way for healthcare workers to protect themselves. A shortage of PPE dominated the first UK lockdown, with many key workers having to adapt existing materials or rely on volunteer pools.

One such pool was set up by the Royal Free Charity to provide surgical gowns for the Royal Free and Barnet hospitals. The self-titled Hampstead Gown Factory, based at Wac Arts in Hampstead, began making gowns from surgical drapes in April 2020.

Each morning and afternoon shift had 60 volunteers. Everyone had a set task such as sewing shoulder seams, cutting, checking, filling bobbins, quality control and packing. At peak productivity, 800 surgical gowns were made every day. Volunteers were regularly tested for COVID-19, completed a health check questionnaire and had their temperature checked on arrival, as well as observing social distancing.

Overall, 614 volunteers made 50,000 surgical gowns at the HGF. Surgical gowns cannot be made at home as they need to be produced in as sterile an environment as possible.

For many of the Hampstead Gown Factory volunteers, the project offered personal benefits too. It provided a focus during the first lockdown, was a chance to use existing skills and learn new ones, and to become part of a community not mediated by screens.

A4 laminated portrait sign informing volunteers of photography and filming, with Royal Free Charity and Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust logo, part of the printed signage and safety information displayed at the Hampstead Gown Factory, a Royal Free Charity volunteer project to produce surgical gowns for key workers during the COVID-19 pandemic, London, 2020

During the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) was the only way for healthcare workers to protect themselves. A shortage of PPE dominated the first UK lockdown, with many key workers having to adapt existing materials or rely on volunteer pools.

One such pool was set up by the Royal Free Charity to provide surgical gowns for the Royal Free and Barnet hospitals. The self-titled Hampstead Gown Factory, based at Wac Arts in Hampstead, began making gowns from surgical drapes in April 2020.

Each morning and afternoon shift had 60 volunteers. Everyone had a set task such as sewing shoulder seams, cutting, checking, filling bobbins, quality control and packing. At peak productivity, 800 surgical gowns were made every day. Volunteers were regularly tested for COVID-19, completed a health check questionnaire and had their temperature checked on arrival, as well as observing social distancing.

Overall, 614 volunteers made 50,000 surgical gowns at the HGF. Surgical gowns cannot be made at home as they need to be produced in as sterile an environment as possible.

For many of the Hampstead Gown Factory volunteers, the project offered personal benefits too. It provided a focus during the first lockdown, was a chance to use existing skills and learn new ones, and to become part of a community not mediated by screens.

A4 laminated portrait sign informing volunteers of photography and filming, with Royal Free Charity and Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust logo, part of the printed signage and safety information displayed at the Hampstead Gown Factory, a Royal Free Charity volunteer project to produce surgical gowns for key workers during the COVID-19 pandemic, London, 2020

During the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) was the only way for healthcare workers to protect themselves. A shortage of PPE dominated the first UK lockdown, with many key workers having to adapt existing materials or rely on volunteer pools.

One such pool was set up by the Royal Free Charity to provide surgical gowns for the Royal Free and Barnet hospitals. The self-titled Hampstead Gown Factory, based at Wac Arts in Hampstead, began making gowns from surgical drapes in April 2020.

Each morning and afternoon shift had 60 volunteers. Everyone had a set task such as sewing shoulder seams, cutting, checking, filling bobbins, quality control and packing. At peak productivity, 800 surgical gowns were made every day. Volunteers were regularly tested for COVID-19, completed a health check questionnaire and had their temperature checked on arrival, as well as observing social distancing.

Overall, 614 volunteers made 50,000 surgical gowns at the HGF. Surgical gowns cannot be made at home as they need to be produced in as sterile an environment as possible.

For many of the Hampstead Gown Factory volunteers, the project offered personal benefits too. It provided a focus during the first lockdown, was a chance to use existing skills and learn new ones, and to become part of a community not mediated by screens.

A4 laminated portrait sign informing volunteers of photography and filming, with Royal Free Charity and Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust logo, part of the printed signage and safety information displayed at the Hampstead Gown Factory, a Royal Free Charity volunteer project to produce surgical gowns for key workers during the COVID-19 pandemic, London, 2020

During the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) was the only way for healthcare workers to protect themselves. A shortage of PPE dominated the first UK lockdown, with many key workers having to adapt existing materials or rely on volunteer pools.

One such pool was set up by the Royal Free Charity to provide surgical gowns for the Royal Free and Barnet hospitals. The self-titled Hampstead Gown Factory, based at Wac Arts in Hampstead, began making gowns from surgical drapes in April 2020.

Each morning and afternoon shift had 60 volunteers. Everyone had a set task such as sewing shoulder seams, cutting, checking, filling bobbins, quality control and packing. At peak productivity, 800 surgical gowns were made every day. Volunteers were regularly tested for COVID-19, completed a health check questionnaire and had their temperature checked on arrival, as well as observing social distancing.

Overall, 614 volunteers made 50,000 surgical gowns at the HGF. Surgical gowns cannot be made at home as they need to be produced in as sterile an environment as possible.

For many of the Hampstead Gown Factory volunteers, the project offered personal benefits too. It provided a focus during the first lockdown, was a chance to use existing skills and learn new ones, and to become part of a community not mediated by screens.

A4 laminated landscape sign, ‘Cutting Room’, with Royal Free Charity and Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust logo, part of the printed signage and safety information displayed at the Hampstead Gown Factory, a Royal Free Charity volunteer project to produce surgical gowns for key workers during the COVID-19 pandemic, London, 2020

During the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) was the only way for healthcare workers to protect themselves. A shortage of PPE dominated the first UK lockdown, with many key workers having to adapt existing materials or rely on volunteer pools.

One such pool was set up by the Royal Free Charity to provide surgical gowns for the Royal Free and Barnet hospitals. The self-titled Hampstead Gown Factory, based at Wac Arts in Hampstead, began making gowns from surgical drapes in April 2020.

Each morning and afternoon shift had 60 volunteers. Everyone had a set task such as sewing shoulder seams, cutting, checking, filling bobbins, quality control and packing. At peak productivity, 800 surgical gowns were made every day. Volunteers were regularly tested for COVID-19, completed a health check questionnaire and had their temperature checked on arrival, as well as observing social distancing.

Overall, 614 volunteers made 50,000 surgical gowns at the HGF. Surgical gowns cannot be made at home as they need to be produced in as sterile an environment as possible.

For many of the Hampstead Gown Factory volunteers, the project offered personal benefits too. It provided a focus during the first lockdown, was a chance to use existing skills and learn new ones, and to become part of a community not mediated by screens.

A4 laminated landscape sign, ‘Cutting Room’, with Royal Free Charity and Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust logo, part of the printed signage and safety information displayed at the Hampstead Gown Factory, a Royal Free Charity volunteer project to produce surgical gowns for key workers during the COVID-19 pandemic, London, 2020

During the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) was the only way for healthcare workers to protect themselves. A shortage of PPE dominated the first UK lockdown, with many key workers having to adapt existing materials or rely on volunteer pools.

One such pool was set up by the Royal Free Charity to provide surgical gowns for the Royal Free and Barnet hospitals. The self-titled Hampstead Gown Factory, based at Wac Arts in Hampstead, began making gowns from surgical drapes in April 2020.

Each morning and afternoon shift had 60 volunteers. Everyone had a set task such as sewing shoulder seams, cutting, checking, filling bobbins, quality control and packing. At peak productivity, 800 surgical gowns were made every day. Volunteers were regularly tested for COVID-19, completed a health check questionnaire and had their temperature checked on arrival, as well as observing social distancing.

Overall, 614 volunteers made 50,000 surgical gowns at the HGF. Surgical gowns cannot be made at home as they need to be produced in as sterile an environment as possible.

For many of the Hampstead Gown Factory volunteers, the project offered personal benefits too. It provided a focus during the first lockdown, was a chance to use existing skills and learn new ones, and to become part of a community not mediated by screens.

A4 laminated landscape sign, ‘No Exit’, white text on an orange background, part of the printed signage and safety information displayed at the Hampstead Gown Factory, a Royal Free Charity volunteer project to produce surgical gowns for key workers during the COVID-19 pandemic, London, 2020

During the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) was the only way for healthcare workers to protect themselves. A shortage of PPE dominated the first UK lockdown, with many key workers having to adapt existing materials or rely on volunteer pools.

One such pool was set up by the Royal Free Charity to provide surgical gowns for the Royal Free and Barnet hospitals. The self-titled Hampstead Gown Factory, based at Wac Arts in Hampstead, began making gowns from surgical drapes in April 2020.

Each morning and afternoon shift had 60 volunteers. Everyone had a set task such as sewing shoulder seams, cutting, checking, filling bobbins, quality control and packing. At peak productivity, 800 surgical gowns were made every day. Volunteers were regularly tested for COVID-19, completed a health check questionnaire and had their temperature checked on arrival, as well as observing social distancing.

Overall, 614 volunteers made 50,000 surgical gowns at the HGF. Surgical gowns cannot be made at home as they need to be produced in as sterile an environment as possible.

For many of the Hampstead Gown Factory volunteers, the project offered personal benefits too. It provided a focus during the first lockdown, was a chance to use existing skills and learn new ones, and to become part of a community not mediated by screens.

A4 laminated landscape sign, ‘No Exit’, white text on an orange background, part of the printed signage and safety information displayed at the Hampstead Gown Factory, a Royal Free Charity volunteer project to produce surgical gowns for key workers during the COVID-19 pandemic, London, 2020

During the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) was the only way for healthcare workers to protect themselves. A shortage of PPE dominated the first UK lockdown, with many key workers having to adapt existing materials or rely on volunteer pools.

One such pool was set up by the Royal Free Charity to provide surgical gowns for the Royal Free and Barnet hospitals. The self-titled Hampstead Gown Factory, based at Wac Arts in Hampstead, began making gowns from surgical drapes in April 2020.

Each morning and afternoon shift had 60 volunteers. Everyone had a set task such as sewing shoulder seams, cutting, checking, filling bobbins, quality control and packing. At peak productivity, 800 surgical gowns were made every day. Volunteers were regularly tested for COVID-19, completed a health check questionnaire and had their temperature checked on arrival, as well as observing social distancing.

Overall, 614 volunteers made 50,000 surgical gowns at the HGF. Surgical gowns cannot be made at home as they need to be produced in as sterile an environment as possible.

For many of the Hampstead Gown Factory volunteers, the project offered personal benefits too. It provided a focus during the first lockdown, was a chance to use existing skills and learn new ones, and to become part of a community not mediated by screens.

A3 laminated landscape sign, ‘Exit’, white text on an orange background, with a white arrow, part of the printed signage and safety information displayed at the Hampstead Gown Factory, a Royal Free Charity volunteer project to produce surgical gowns for key workers during the COVID-19 pandemic, London, 2020

During the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) was the only way for healthcare workers to protect themselves. A shortage of PPE dominated the first UK lockdown, with many key workers having to adapt existing materials or rely on volunteer pools.

One such pool was set up by the Royal Free Charity to provide surgical gowns for the Royal Free and Barnet hospitals. The self-titled Hampstead Gown Factory, based at Wac Arts in Hampstead, began making gowns from surgical drapes in April 2020.

Each morning and afternoon shift had 60 volunteers. Everyone had a set task such as sewing shoulder seams, cutting, checking, filling bobbins, quality control and packing. At peak productivity, 800 surgical gowns were made every day. Volunteers were regularly tested for COVID-19, completed a health check questionnaire and had their temperature checked on arrival, as well as observing social distancing.

Overall, 614 volunteers made 50,000 surgical gowns at the HGF. Surgical gowns cannot be made at home as they need to be produced in as sterile an environment as possible.

For many of the Hampstead Gown Factory volunteers, the project offered personal benefits too. It provided a focus during the first lockdown, was a chance to use existing skills and learn new ones, and to become part of a community not mediated by screens.

A3 laminated landscape sign, ‘Welcome’, white text on an orange background, part of the printed signage and safety information displayed at the Hampstead Gown Factory, a Royal Free Charity volunteer project to produce surgical gowns for key workers during the COVID-19 pandemic, London, 2020

During the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) was the only way for healthcare workers to protect themselves. A shortage of PPE dominated the first UK lockdown, with many key workers having to adapt existing materials or rely on volunteer pools.

One such pool was set up by the Royal Free Charity to provide surgical gowns for the Royal Free and Barnet hospitals. The self-titled Hampstead Gown Factory, based at Wac Arts in Hampstead, began making gowns from surgical drapes in April 2020.

Each morning and afternoon shift had 60 volunteers. Everyone had a set task such as sewing shoulder seams, cutting, checking, filling bobbins, quality control and packing. At peak productivity, 800 surgical gowns were made every day. Volunteers were regularly tested for COVID-19, completed a health check questionnaire and had their temperature checked on arrival, as well as observing social distancing.

Overall, 614 volunteers made 50,000 surgical gowns at the HGF. Surgical gowns cannot be made at home as they need to be produced in as sterile an environment as possible.

For many of the Hampstead Gown Factory volunteers, the project offered personal benefits too. It provided a focus during the first lockdown, was a chance to use existing skills and learn new ones, and to become part of a community not mediated by screens.

A3 laminated landscape sign, ‘Cutting Room’, white text on an orange background, part of the printed signage and safety information displayed at the Hampstead Gown Factory, a Royal Free Charity volunteer project to produce surgical gowns for key workers during the COVID-19 pandemic, London, 2020

During the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) was the only way for healthcare workers to protect themselves. A shortage of PPE dominated the first UK lockdown, with many key workers having to adapt existing materials or rely on volunteer pools.

One such pool was set up by the Royal Free Charity to provide surgical gowns for the Royal Free and Barnet hospitals. The self-titled Hampstead Gown Factory, based at Wac Arts in Hampstead, began making gowns from surgical drapes in April 2020.

Each morning and afternoon shift had 60 volunteers. Everyone had a set task such as sewing shoulder seams, cutting, checking, filling bobbins, quality control and packing. At peak productivity, 800 surgical gowns were made every day. Volunteers were regularly tested for COVID-19, completed a health check questionnaire and had their temperature checked on arrival, as well as observing social distancing.

Overall, 614 volunteers made 50,000 surgical gowns at the HGF. Surgical gowns cannot be made at home as they need to be produced in as sterile an environment as possible.

For many of the Hampstead Gown Factory volunteers, the project offered personal benefits too. It provided a focus during the first lockdown, was a chance to use existing skills and learn new ones, and to become part of a community not mediated by screens.

A3 laminated landscape sign, ‘Finishing Room’, white text on an orange background, part of the printed signage and safety information displayed at the Hampstead Gown Factory, a Royal Free Charity volunteer project to produce surgical gowns for key workers during the COVID-19 pandemic, London, 2020

During the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) was the only way for healthcare workers to protect themselves. A shortage of PPE dominated the first UK lockdown, with many key workers having to adapt existing materials or rely on volunteer pools.

One such pool was set up by the Royal Free Charity to provide surgical gowns for the Royal Free and Barnet hospitals. The self-titled Hampstead Gown Factory, based at Wac Arts in Hampstead, began making gowns from surgical drapes in April 2020.

Each morning and afternoon shift had 60 volunteers. Everyone had a set task such as sewing shoulder seams, cutting, checking, filling bobbins, quality control and packing. At peak productivity, 800 surgical gowns were made every day. Volunteers were regularly tested for COVID-19, completed a health check questionnaire and had their temperature checked on arrival, as well as observing social distancing.

Overall, 614 volunteers made 50,000 surgical gowns at the HGF. Surgical gowns cannot be made at home as they need to be produced in as sterile an environment as possible.

For many of the Hampstead Gown Factory volunteers, the project offered personal benefits too. It provided a focus during the first lockdown, was a chance to use existing skills and learn new ones, and to become part of a community not mediated by screens.

A3 laminated landscape sign, ‘Way Out', white text on an orange background, part of the printed signage and safety information displayed at the Hampstead Gown Factory, a Royal Free Charity volunteer project to produce surgical gowns for key workers during the COVID-19 pandemic, London, 2020

During the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) was the only way for healthcare workers to protect themselves. A shortage of PPE dominated the first UK lockdown, with many key workers having to adapt existing materials or rely on volunteer pools.

One such pool was set up by the Royal Free Charity to provide surgical gowns for the Royal Free and Barnet hospitals. The self-titled Hampstead Gown Factory, based at Wac Arts in Hampstead, began making gowns from surgical drapes in April 2020.

Each morning and afternoon shift had 60 volunteers. Everyone had a set task such as sewing shoulder seams, cutting, checking, filling bobbins, quality control and packing. At peak productivity, 800 surgical gowns were made every day. Volunteers were regularly tested for COVID-19, completed a health check questionnaire and had their temperature checked on arrival, as well as observing social distancing.

Overall, 614 volunteers made 50,000 surgical gowns at the HGF. Surgical gowns cannot be made at home as they need to be produced in as sterile an environment as possible.

For many of the Hampstead Gown Factory volunteers, the project offered personal benefits too. It provided a focus during the first lockdown, was a chance to use existing skills and learn new ones, and to become part of a community not mediated by screens.

A3 laminated landscape sign, ‘Sewing Room’, white text on an orange background, part of the printed signage and safety information displayed at the Hampstead Gown Factory, a Royal Free Charity volunteer project to produce surgical gowns for key workers during the COVID-19 pandemic, London, 2020

During the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) was the only way for healthcare workers to protect themselves. A shortage of PPE dominated the first UK lockdown, with many key workers having to adapt existing materials or rely on volunteer pools.

One such pool was set up by the Royal Free Charity to provide surgical gowns for the Royal Free and Barnet hospitals. The self-titled Hampstead Gown Factory, based at Wac Arts in Hampstead, began making gowns from surgical drapes in April 2020.

Each morning and afternoon shift had 60 volunteers. Everyone had a set task such as sewing shoulder seams, cutting, checking, filling bobbins, quality control and packing. At peak productivity, 800 surgical gowns were made every day. Volunteers were regularly tested for COVID-19, completed a health check questionnaire and had their temperature checked on arrival, as well as observing social distancing.

Overall, 614 volunteers made 50,000 surgical gowns at the HGF. Surgical gowns cannot be made at home as they need to be produced in as sterile an environment as possible.

For many of the Hampstead Gown Factory volunteers, the project offered personal benefits too. It provided a focus during the first lockdown, was a chance to use existing skills and learn new ones, and to become part of a community not mediated by screens.

A3 laminated portrait sign, ‘Please practice social distancing. 2 metres, 6 feet’, white and black text on an orange background, with the Hampstead Gown Factory, Royal Free Charity and Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust logo, part of the printed signage and safety information displayed at the Hampstead Gown Factory, a Royal Free Charity volunteer project to produce surgical gowns for key workers during the COVID-19 pandemic, London, 2020

During the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) was the only way for healthcare workers to protect themselves. A shortage of PPE dominated the first UK lockdown, with many key workers having to adapt existing materials or rely on volunteer pools.

One such pool was set up by the Royal Free Charity to provide surgical gowns for the Royal Free and Barnet hospitals. The self-titled Hampstead Gown Factory, based at Wac Arts in Hampstead, began making gowns from surgical drapes in April 2020.

Each morning and afternoon shift had 60 volunteers. Everyone had a set task such as sewing shoulder seams, cutting, checking, filling bobbins, quality control and packing. At peak productivity, 800 surgical gowns were made every day. Volunteers were regularly tested for COVID-19, completed a health check questionnaire and had their temperature checked on arrival, as well as observing social distancing.

Overall, 614 volunteers made 50,000 surgical gowns at the HGF. Surgical gowns cannot be made at home as they need to be produced in as sterile an environment as possible.

For many of the Hampstead Gown Factory volunteers, the project offered personal benefits too. It provided a focus during the first lockdown, was a chance to use existing skills and learn new ones, and to become part of a community not mediated by screens.

A3 laminated portrait sign, ‘Please practice social distancing. 2 metres, 6 feet’, white and black text on an orange background, with the Hampstead Gown Factory, Royal Free Charity and Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust logo, part of the printed signage and safety information displayed at the Hampstead Gown Factory, a Royal Free Charity volunteer project to produce surgical gowns for key workers during the COVID-19 pandemic, London, 2020

During the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) was the only way for healthcare workers to protect themselves. A shortage of PPE dominated the first UK lockdown, with many key workers having to adapt existing materials or rely on volunteer pools.

One such pool was set up by the Royal Free Charity to provide surgical gowns for the Royal Free and Barnet hospitals. The self-titled Hampstead Gown Factory, based at Wac Arts in Hampstead, began making gowns from surgical drapes in April 2020.

Each morning and afternoon shift had 60 volunteers. Everyone had a set task such as sewing shoulder seams, cutting, checking, filling bobbins, quality control and packing. At peak productivity, 800 surgical gowns were made every day. Volunteers were regularly tested for COVID-19, completed a health check questionnaire and had their temperature checked on arrival, as well as observing social distancing.

Overall, 614 volunteers made 50,000 surgical gowns at the HGF. Surgical gowns cannot be made at home as they need to be produced in as sterile an environment as possible.

For many of the Hampstead Gown Factory volunteers, the project offered personal benefits too. It provided a focus during the first lockdown, was a chance to use existing skills and learn new ones, and to become part of a community not mediated by screens.

A3 laminated portrait sign, ‘Please practice social distancing. 2 metres, 6 feet’, white and black text on an orange background, with the Hampstead Gown Factory, Royal Free Charity and Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust logo, part of the printed signage and safety information displayed at the Hampstead Gown Factory, a Royal Free Charity volunteer project to produce surgical gowns for key workers during the COVID-19 pandemic, London, 2020

During the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) was the only way for healthcare workers to protect themselves. A shortage of PPE dominated the first UK lockdown, with many key workers having to adapt existing materials or rely on volunteer pools.

One such pool was set up by the Royal Free Charity to provide surgical gowns for the Royal Free and Barnet hospitals. The self-titled Hampstead Gown Factory, based at Wac Arts in Hampstead, began making gowns from surgical drapes in April 2020.

Each morning and afternoon shift had 60 volunteers. Everyone had a set task such as sewing shoulder seams, cutting, checking, filling bobbins, quality control and packing. At peak productivity, 800 surgical gowns were made every day. Volunteers were regularly tested for COVID-19, completed a health check questionnaire and had their temperature checked on arrival, as well as observing social distancing.

Overall, 614 volunteers made 50,000 surgical gowns at the HGF. Surgical gowns cannot be made at home as they need to be produced in as sterile an environment as possible.

For many of the Hampstead Gown Factory volunteers, the project offered personal benefits too. It provided a focus during the first lockdown, was a chance to use existing skills and learn new ones, and to become part of a community not mediated by screens.

A3 laminated protrait sign, ‘Please practice social distancing. 2 metres, 6 feet’, white and black text on an orange background, with the Hampstead Gown Factory, Royal Free Charity and Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust logo, part of the printed signage and safety information displayed at the Hampstead Gown Factory, a Royal Free Charity volunteer project to produce surgical gowns for key workers during the COVID-19 pandemic, London, 2020

During the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) was the only way for healthcare workers to protect themselves. A shortage of PPE dominated the first UK lockdown, with many key workers having to adapt existing materials or rely on volunteer pools.

One such pool was set up by the Royal Free Charity to provide surgical gowns for the Royal Free and Barnet hospitals. The self-titled Hampstead Gown Factory, based at Wac Arts in Hampstead, began making gowns from surgical drapes in April 2020.

Each morning and afternoon shift had 60 volunteers. Everyone had a set task such as sewing shoulder seams, cutting, checking, filling bobbins, quality control and packing. At peak productivity, 800 surgical gowns were made every day. Volunteers were regularly tested for COVID-19, completed a health check questionnaire and had their temperature checked on arrival, as well as observing social distancing.

Overall, 614 volunteers made 50,000 surgical gowns at the HGF. Surgical gowns cannot be made at home as they need to be produced in as sterile an environment as possible.

For many of the Hampstead Gown Factory volunteers, the project offered personal benefits too. It provided a focus during the first lockdown, was a chance to use existing skills and learn new ones, and to become part of a community not mediated by screens.

A3 laminated portrait sign, ‘Please practice social distancing. 2 metres, 6 feet’, white and black text on an orange background, with the Hampstead Gown Factory, Royal Free Charity and Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust logo, part of the printed signage and safety information displayed at the Hampstead Gown Factory, a Royal Free Charity volunteer project to produce surgical gowns for key workers during the COVID-19 pandemic, London, 2020

During the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) was the only way for healthcare workers to protect themselves. A shortage of PPE dominated the first UK lockdown, with many key workers having to adapt existing materials or rely on volunteer pools.

One such pool was set up by the Royal Free Charity to provide surgical gowns for the Royal Free and Barnet hospitals. The self-titled Hampstead Gown Factory, based at Wac Arts in Hampstead, began making gowns from surgical drapes in April 2020.

Each morning and afternoon shift had 60 volunteers. Everyone had a set task such as sewing shoulder seams, cutting, checking, filling bobbins, quality control and packing. At peak productivity, 800 surgical gowns were made every day. Volunteers were regularly tested for COVID-19, completed a health check questionnaire and had their temperature checked on arrival, as well as observing social distancing.

Overall, 614 volunteers made 50,000 surgical gowns at the HGF. Surgical gowns cannot be made at home as they need to be produced in as sterile an environment as possible.

For many of the Hampstead Gown Factory volunteers, the project offered personal benefits too. It provided a focus during the first lockdown, was a chance to use existing skills and learn new ones, and to become part of a community not mediated by screens.

Number 1 printed in white text on an orange background, part of the printed signage and safety information displayed at the Hampstead Gown Factory, a Royal Free Charity volunteer project to produce surgical gowns for key workers during the COVID-19 pandemic, London, 2020

During the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) was the only way for healthcare workers to protect themselves. A shortage of PPE dominated the first UK lockdown, with many key workers having to adapt existing materials or rely on volunteer pools.

One such pool was set up by the Royal Free Charity to provide surgical gowns for the Royal Free and Barnet hospitals. The self-titled Hampstead Gown Factory, based at Wac Arts in Hampstead, began making gowns from surgical drapes in April 2020.

Each morning and afternoon shift had 60 volunteers. Everyone had a set task such as sewing shoulder seams, cutting, checking, filling bobbins, quality control and packing. At peak productivity, 800 surgical gowns were made every day. Volunteers were regularly tested for COVID-19, completed a health check questionnaire and had their temperature checked on arrival, as well as observing social distancing.

Overall, 614 volunteers made 50,000 surgical gowns at the HGF. Surgical gowns cannot be made at home as they need to be produced in as sterile an environment as possible.

For many of the Hampstead Gown Factory volunteers, the project offered personal benefits too. It provided a focus during the first lockdown, was a chance to use existing skills and learn new ones, and to become part of a community not mediated by screens.

Number 2 printed in white text on an orange background, part of the printed signage and safety information displayed at the Hampstead Gown Factory, a Royal Free Charity volunteer project to produce surgical gowns for key workers during the COVID-19 pandemic, London, 2020

During the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) was the only way for healthcare workers to protect themselves. A shortage of PPE dominated the first UK lockdown, with many key workers having to adapt existing materials or rely on volunteer pools.

One such pool was set up by the Royal Free Charity to provide surgical gowns for the Royal Free and Barnet hospitals. The self-titled Hampstead Gown Factory, based at Wac Arts in Hampstead, began making gowns from surgical drapes in April 2020.

Each morning and afternoon shift had 60 volunteers. Everyone had a set task such as sewing shoulder seams, cutting, checking, filling bobbins, quality control and packing. At peak productivity, 800 surgical gowns were made every day. Volunteers were regularly tested for COVID-19, completed a health check questionnaire and had their temperature checked on arrival, as well as observing social distancing.

Overall, 614 volunteers made 50,000 surgical gowns at the HGF. Surgical gowns cannot be made at home as they need to be produced in as sterile an environment as possible.

For many of the Hampstead Gown Factory volunteers, the project offered personal benefits too. It provided a focus during the first lockdown, was a chance to use existing skills and learn new ones, and to become part of a community not mediated by screens.

Number 3 printed in white text on an orange background, part of the printed signage and safety information displayed at the Hampstead Gown Factory, a Royal Free Charity volunteer project to produce surgical gowns for key workers during the COVID-19 pandemic, London, 2020

During the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) was the only way for healthcare workers to protect themselves. A shortage of PPE dominated the first UK lockdown, with many key workers having to adapt existing materials or rely on volunteer pools.

One such pool was set up by the Royal Free Charity to provide surgical gowns for the Royal Free and Barnet hospitals. The self-titled Hampstead Gown Factory, based at Wac Arts in Hampstead, began making gowns from surgical drapes in April 2020.

Each morning and afternoon shift had 60 volunteers. Everyone had a set task such as sewing shoulder seams, cutting, checking, filling bobbins, quality control and packing. At peak productivity, 800 surgical gowns were made every day. Volunteers were regularly tested for COVID-19, completed a health check questionnaire and had their temperature checked on arrival, as well as observing social distancing.

Overall, 614 volunteers made 50,000 surgical gowns at the HGF. Surgical gowns cannot be made at home as they need to be produced in as sterile an environment as possible.

For many of the Hampstead Gown Factory volunteers, the project offered personal benefits too. It provided a focus during the first lockdown, was a chance to use existing skills and learn new ones, and to become part of a community not mediated by screens.

Number 4 printed in white text on an orange background, part of the printed signage and safety information displayed at the Hampstead Gown Factory, a Royal Free Charity volunteer project to produce surgical gowns for key workers during the COVID-19 pandemic, London, 2020

During the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) was the only way for healthcare workers to protect themselves. A shortage of PPE dominated the first UK lockdown, with many key workers having to adapt existing materials or rely on volunteer pools.

One such pool was set up by the Royal Free Charity to provide surgical gowns for the Royal Free and Barnet hospitals. The self-titled Hampstead Gown Factory, based at Wac Arts in Hampstead, began making gowns from surgical drapes in April 2020.

Each morning and afternoon shift had 60 volunteers. Everyone had a set task such as sewing shoulder seams, cutting, checking, filling bobbins, quality control and packing. At peak productivity, 800 surgical gowns were made every day. Volunteers were regularly tested for COVID-19, completed a health check questionnaire and had their temperature checked on arrival, as well as observing social distancing.

Overall, 614 volunteers made 50,000 surgical gowns at the HGF. Surgical gowns cannot be made at home as they need to be produced in as sterile an environment as possible.

For many of the Hampstead Gown Factory volunteers, the project offered personal benefits too. It provided a focus during the first lockdown, was a chance to use existing skills and learn new ones, and to become part of a community not mediated by screens.

Number 5 printed in white text on an orange background, part of the printed signage and safety information displayed at the Hampstead Gown Factory, a Royal Free Charity volunteer project to produce surgical gowns for key workers during the COVID-19 pandemic, London, 2020

During the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) was the only way for healthcare workers to protect themselves. A shortage of PPE dominated the first UK lockdown, with many key workers having to adapt existing materials or rely on volunteer pools.

One such pool was set up by the Royal Free Charity to provide surgical gowns for the Royal Free and Barnet hospitals. The self-titled Hampstead Gown Factory, based at Wac Arts in Hampstead, began making gowns from surgical drapes in April 2020.

Each morning and afternoon shift had 60 volunteers. Everyone had a set task such as sewing shoulder seams, cutting, checking, filling bobbins, quality control and packing. At peak productivity, 800 surgical gowns were made every day. Volunteers were regularly tested for COVID-19, completed a health check questionnaire and had their temperature checked on arrival, as well as observing social distancing.

Overall, 614 volunteers made 50,000 surgical gowns at the HGF. Surgical gowns cannot be made at home as they need to be produced in as sterile an environment as possible.

For many of the Hampstead Gown Factory volunteers, the project offered personal benefits too. It provided a focus during the first lockdown, was a chance to use existing skills and learn new ones, and to become part of a community not mediated by screens.

Number 6 printed in white text on an orange background, part of the printed signage and safety information displayed at the Hampstead Gown Factory, a Royal Free Charity volunteer project to produce surgical gowns for key workers during the COVID-19 pandemic, London, 2020

During the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) was the only way for healthcare workers to protect themselves. A shortage of PPE dominated the first UK lockdown, with many key workers having to adapt existing materials or rely on volunteer pools.

One such pool was set up by the Royal Free Charity to provide surgical gowns for the Royal Free and Barnet hospitals. The self-titled Hampstead Gown Factory, based at Wac Arts in Hampstead, began making gowns from surgical drapes in April 2020.

Each morning and afternoon shift had 60 volunteers. Everyone had a set task such as sewing shoulder seams, cutting, checking, filling bobbins, quality control and packing. At peak productivity, 800 surgical gowns were made every day. Volunteers were regularly tested for COVID-19, completed a health check questionnaire and had their temperature checked on arrival, as well as observing social distancing.

Overall, 614 volunteers made 50,000 surgical gowns at the HGF. Surgical gowns cannot be made at home as they need to be produced in as sterile an environment as possible.

For many of the Hampstead Gown Factory volunteers, the project offered personal benefits too. It provided a focus during the first lockdown, was a chance to use existing skills and learn new ones, and to become part of a community not mediated by screens.

Number 7 printed in white text on an orange background, part of the printed signage and safety information displayed at the Hampstead Gown Factory, a Royal Free Charity volunteer project to produce surgical gowns for key workers during the COVID-19 pandemic, London, 2020

During the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) was the only way for healthcare workers to protect themselves. A shortage of PPE dominated the first UK lockdown, with many key workers having to adapt existing materials or rely on volunteer pools.

One such pool was set up by the Royal Free Charity to provide surgical gowns for the Royal Free and Barnet hospitals. The self-titled Hampstead Gown Factory, based at Wac Arts in Hampstead, began making gowns from surgical drapes in April 2020.

Each morning and afternoon shift had 60 volunteers. Everyone had a set task such as sewing shoulder seams, cutting, checking, filling bobbins, quality control and packing. At peak productivity, 800 surgical gowns were made every day. Volunteers were regularly tested for COVID-19, completed a health check questionnaire and had their temperature checked on arrival, as well as observing social distancing.

Overall, 614 volunteers made 50,000 surgical gowns at the HGF. Surgical gowns cannot be made at home as they need to be produced in as sterile an environment as possible.

For many of the Hampstead Gown Factory volunteers, the project offered personal benefits too. It provided a focus during the first lockdown, was a chance to use existing skills and learn new ones, and to become part of a community not mediated by screens.

Number 8 printed in white text on an orange background, part of the printed signage and safety information displayed at the Hampstead Gown Factory, a Royal Free Charity volunteer project to produce surgical gowns for key workers during the COVID-19 pandemic, London, 2020

During the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) was the only way for healthcare workers to protect themselves. A shortage of PPE dominated the first UK lockdown, with many key workers having to adapt existing materials or rely on volunteer pools.

One such pool was set up by the Royal Free Charity to provide surgical gowns for the Royal Free and Barnet hospitals. The self-titled Hampstead Gown Factory, based at Wac Arts in Hampstead, began making gowns from surgical drapes in April 2020.

Each morning and afternoon shift had 60 volunteers. Everyone had a set task such as sewing shoulder seams, cutting, checking, filling bobbins, quality control and packing. At peak productivity, 800 surgical gowns were made every day. Volunteers were regularly tested for COVID-19, completed a health check questionnaire and had their temperature checked on arrival, as well as observing social distancing.

Overall, 614 volunteers made 50,000 surgical gowns at the HGF. Surgical gowns cannot be made at home as they need to be produced in as sterile an environment as possible.

For many of the Hampstead Gown Factory volunteers, the project offered personal benefits too. It provided a focus during the first lockdown, was a chance to use existing skills and learn new ones, and to become part of a community not mediated by screens.

Number 9 printed in white text on an orange background, part of the printed signage and safety information displayed at the Hampstead Gown Factory, a Royal Free Charity volunteer project to produce surgical gowns for key workers during the COVID-19 pandemic, London, 2020

During the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) was the only way for healthcare workers to protect themselves. A shortage of PPE dominated the first UK lockdown, with many key workers having to adapt existing materials or rely on volunteer pools.

One such pool was set up by the Royal Free Charity to provide surgical gowns for the Royal Free and Barnet hospitals. The self-titled Hampstead Gown Factory, based at Wac Arts in Hampstead, began making gowns from surgical drapes in April 2020.

Each morning and afternoon shift had 60 volunteers. Everyone had a set task such as sewing shoulder seams, cutting, checking, filling bobbins, quality control and packing. At peak productivity, 800 surgical gowns were made every day. Volunteers were regularly tested for COVID-19, completed a health check questionnaire and had their temperature checked on arrival, as well as observing social distancing.

Overall, 614 volunteers made 50,000 surgical gowns at the HGF. Surgical gowns cannot be made at home as they need to be produced in as sterile an environment as possible.

For many of the Hampstead Gown Factory volunteers, the project offered personal benefits too. It provided a focus during the first lockdown, was a chance to use existing skills and learn new ones, and to become part of a community not mediated by screens.

Number 10 printed in white text on an orange background, part of the printed signage and safety information displayed at the Hampstead Gown Factory, a Royal Free Charity volunteer project to produce surgical gowns for key workers during the COVID-19 pandemic, London, 2020

During the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) was the only way for healthcare workers to protect themselves. A shortage of PPE dominated the first UK lockdown, with many key workers having to adapt existing materials or rely on volunteer pools.

One such pool was set up by the Royal Free Charity to provide surgical gowns for the Royal Free and Barnet hospitals. The self-titled Hampstead Gown Factory, based at Wac Arts in Hampstead, began making gowns from surgical drapes in April 2020.

Each morning and afternoon shift had 60 volunteers. Everyone had a set task such as sewing shoulder seams, cutting, checking, filling bobbins, quality control and packing. At peak productivity, 800 surgical gowns were made every day. Volunteers were regularly tested for COVID-19, completed a health check questionnaire and had their temperature checked on arrival, as well as observing social distancing.

Overall, 614 volunteers made 50,000 surgical gowns at the HGF. Surgical gowns cannot be made at home as they need to be produced in as sterile an environment as possible.

For many of the Hampstead Gown Factory volunteers, the project offered personal benefits too. It provided a focus during the first lockdown, was a chance to use existing skills and learn new ones, and to become part of a community not mediated by screens.