Colleagues and patients show off their artistic flair
Samrat Bose, Consultant in Acute Medicine, had the idea for a Whipps Cross art exhibition before the Covid 19 pandemic. “I am delighted that we have finally been able to bring this idea to life,” he said.
A keen amateur artist, who works in oils and charcoal, Dr Bose knew that several of his colleagues followed creative pursuits in their spare time. He thought it would be enjoyable to have an opportunity to display their work in the hospital, but he wasn’t sure how to get his plan off the ground.
He was introduced to the hospital’s head of wellbeing, Claire Davis. The timing of the meeting was perfect. It was a few weeks before World Wellbeing Week when the wellbeing team was starting to pull together plans for a summer wellbeing festival. Claire’s team jumped at the idea of an art event, as there is evidence to suggest that engaging in art and creative activities can reduce stress and promote wellbeing.
The hospital’s senior leadership team agreed to move their meetings out of the Board Room for four days over a fortnight, and Samrat and Claire put out a call for artists across the hospital. They had no idea what to expect and were blown away by the response.
More than 60 pieces were submitted for the exhibition from 16 members of staff. “I am really excited about the diversity of the participants,” said Claire. “We’ve had great involvement from people who have not been involved with our previous wellbeing initiatives.” We also received eight pieces of work from Children in Acorn Ward.
The exhibition features work by therapists, health care support workers, nurses, dental nurses, volunteers, junior doctors and consultants. There is a huge variety of styles and media on display including ceramics, lino cuts, photographs, watercolours and huge oil and acrylic paintings. The exhibition includes sketches and snaps from novices alongside meticulous replicas of old masters.
Some of the work is for sale, with a portion of proceeds going to Barts Charity whose “Sustaining Wellbeing” grant funded the modest costs of hosting the exhibition.
The exhibition is open to everyone - staff and the public - from 9am to 5pm on:
- Thursday 29 June
- Tuesday 4 July
- Friday 7 July
Comments from visitors to the opening of the exhibition indicate that Dr Bose’s vision for an annual exhibition may not have been ambitious enough. The organisers are already considering a Christmas show.