Craftspace

The Maternity Unit at Queens Hospital, Burton has a track record of taking part in arts projects.

The residency is part of wider ambition to build on relationships made between the Arts Development Officer, Michelle Clerc, and the hospital. This project has been developed with the maternity unit, who initiated interest in hosting a residency to create work for their waiting room.

Artist Residency

Weaver Jan Bowman was selected and developed themes with the unit’s staff. Jan teaches at Loughborough University and has previous experience in creating work for hospital environments.

Commission

This project required an artist with the experience and sensitive to work in this environment, which can be a traumatic and stressful experience for patients and their families. Staff requested work which was abstract in design, and could help make a relaxing waiting space for patient’s families.

Jan designed 3 textile pieces for the waiting area in the Delivery Suite at Queen's Hospital Burton upon Trent. She worked along side the health professionals on the ward to create a design that would be appropriate for the space. The staff at the Maternity Unit came up with the idea of seascapes for the inspiration of this piece. It was important that the workwas of a calming and uplifting nature.

Graduate Residency

Jan supported Staffordshire graduate Camilla Freeman.

'We are thrilled with the finished wall hangings. We were involved from an early stage in choosing the artist and influencing the design and now we have a real sense of ownership. The colours and the materials used all work towards creating a sense of calm and serenity but the intricate detail using beads and metallic thread mean that it can be seen time and time again and there will always be something new to see.'

Gill Salmon, the Matron on the delivery suite

Artists

Jan Bowman and Camilla Freeman.