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Organ donation sculptures unveiled at Shropshire hospitals
13/12/2018
Two University of Wolverhampton art students have been selected to design two commemorative sculptures for the Organ Donation Trust at the Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust (SaTH).
Dr Robert Law, anaesthetist at the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), and clinical lead with for Organ Donation at SaTH, approached the Wolverhampton School of Art to offer the chance for a student to complete a dedication piece.
Dr Law said: “The sculpture project was commissioned to recognise the contribution made by donors as well as to thank families and to commemorate organ donation.
“The proposal was for an individual artist to produce two complementary pieces for the two Trust sites at Telford and Shrewsbury and for the sculptures to act as both a site of remembrance which donor families and friends can visit and be a celebration of the ‘gift’ that a donor organ is to a transplant recipient.”
Over forty students came forward at the initial briefing with Dr Law across a variety of subject areas at the Wolverhampton School of Art. Nine students were shortlisted with Dr Law and Fiona Deakin, Specialist Nurse for Organ Donation & Transplant, judging the work. Three of those were selected as Finalists and commissioned to each develop maquettes which are small models of their work.
Two students, Emma Mounsey, 22 from Cambridge, who graduated with a degree in Applied Arts and Diane Silverton, 52, from Sutton Coldfield, who’s in the final year of studying for a degree in Fine Art, presented their concepts to a Panel comprising SaTH ICU Clinical Staff, Corporate Management, Estates Directorate, Donor Families and Donor Recipient Families at The Princess Royal Hospital, Telford, earlier this year.
Diane’s piece – ‘Forget me Not Window’, was inspired by her passion for the natural environment. Utilising the language of flowers for this design; abstract forget-me-nots, Diane wanted to ‘create a slight ethereal feel to the window, life’s transient time, with hearts, lives and memories inextricably interlinked forever. The incorporated inscription reads: The greatest act of human kindness is the gift of life and hope.’
She said: “It has been an honour to work on such a sensitive, deserving project, with a fantastic team of people, from dedicated staff to courageous donor and recipient families. I hope it provides an area of contemplation and remembrance for those who have and are experiencing the trauma of loss and organ donation of a loved one. May it also inspire others to talk about and consider organ donation.”
The window was manufactured by Andrew Moor Associates Ltd and Protoglass Studios.
Emma, who is now studying at the Royal College of Art, has created a large scale translucent curved glass panel with a forget-me-not design, set in a raised bed as the centre piece of a small courtyard which will provide seating for patients, staff and visitors in a peaceful area and provide a focus for reflection and contemplation. This will be installed when an appropriate site has been identified.
Scott Knight, Business Development Manager in the Faculty of Art, said: “This live project came about following work that former Product Design students had created for New Cross Hospital for their Organ Donation Trust.
“This was a fantastic opportunity for students to get involved in a real-life project brief for a client. We focus a lot of effort each academic year to provide rigorous opportunities for students to work with clients such as those in the public, private and third sector. Commissions such as this not only provide demonstrable employability outcomes for students whilst they are studying at the University, but also reward and recognition for their hard-earned efforts on top of their studies, part- time work, and for many, their family life. Projects like this are ideal for them to get involved with local organisations and work to a very specific brief.
“The original proposal was to commission one artist for two pieces but the standard of work was so high that, after long and hard deliberation, the judging panel on this project, formed from clinical staff and both receiving and giving organ donation families, decided to commission both artists and it’s wonderful that their work will be permanently on display within the SaTH estate. With both pieces, the artists will be producing places to rest and contemplate in considerate environments for both receiving and giving families.”
Anyone wanting to study in the Wolverhampton School of Art should register for the next Open Day on Saturday 2 February 2019.
Further information
For more information please contact the Media Relations Office on 01902 32 2736 or 01902 518647.
Date Issued: Thursday, 13 December 2018
For more information please contact the Corporate Communications Team.
