a heart of butterflies
royal berkshire hospital organ donation artwork
We were commissioned by the Hospital's Organ and Tissue Donation Committee who wanted a lasting memorial; a place for relatives to visit. We encouraged them to take the project further and create an inspiring and challenging artwork. Our initial idea was to use a heart shape to infer life, but what could we use to pick out this heart shape? After researching the countryside around the hospital, we chose five butterflies indigenous to the area, chosen specifically so that their colours work together harmoniously and also complement the hospitals' surroundings.
Feedback has been astounding since the artwork has been installed, featuring on the television, in newspapers and on websites as far afield as the USA. On Wednesday 14 November, transplant patients were invited into the Royal Berkshire Hospital to meet the media at a press launch for the project. On that day it featured on the BBC South Today news reports on their breakfast, lunch and evening broadcasts.
Watch the news coverage, courtesy of BBC South below.
Feedback
"The team from Hospital Art Studio were a delight to work with and have produced us a piece of artwork which is simply stunning. We wanted to create a fitting tribute to the people who quite literally have given the gift of life to others – and a place where their families will know they are being remembered. Everyone who sees the artwork says it has fulfilled all of our aspirations – and more too!"
Dr Chris Danbury, Intensive Care Consultant
"It provokes thought about organ donation, but is also a sign of being reborn. The enormity of the piece really helps to get the message across. Organ donation has transformed my life beyond recognition. It’s the greatest gift that you can give. And if you’ve never talked about it, please do, as you could be someone’s hero as my donor is to me. It’s an incredible gift."
Richard Burbedge, Double lung transplant patient
“Spanning a wall, the eye-catching butterflies come alive with a striking 3D effect, which also promotes a powerful message to the people who have given ‘the Gift of Life’ and will hopefully inspire others to become donors.”
Karen Jordan, Reporter getreading.co.uk
