King’s mill hospital heritage display
Large scale murals and banners to commemorate first us Army Hospital in England
The striking design of the project has enhanced and enlivened the hospital street; the displays and banners engage and compliment the impressive open vaulted space. The distinctive era themes of the panels and the larger than life photos of people, draw the eye along the 'street' and act as way-markers for patients on their way to appointments.
Stories of the US Army hospital had a distinct hint of glamour during the hardships of wartime Britain, and the visit of film star Clark Gable to the hospital gave us the spark of inspiration to base the design for each of the ten wall hanging banners on the design of a movie poster from the corresponding period. The history and heritage of King's Mill Hospital is portrayed in the six detailed murals situated at eye level.
Official Opening
The official opening day featuring a special 1940s themed dedication ceremony was held at the hospital on Friday 4 July 2008, the American Day of Independence. This also coincided with celebrations for the 60th anniversary of the National Health Service in Britain. A former US soldier and a Mansfield GI bride were invited from America to be guests of honour at the launch. People featured on the mural were flown in from America and those who were unwell due to age were interviewed at the BBC in Washington. The local BBC featured the hospital and its American guests every evening in the week leading up to and including the event. There was extensive coverage in the local press and also in local newspapers in America.
The opening event included many volunteers dressed in the style of the 1940s, the award-winning Skelmanthorpe Brass Band played, and there was Jitterbug dancing by the Festival Swing Dance Society to a medley of well-known 1940s Big Band tunes performed in the main King's Treatment Centre 'street'. Towards midday everyone went outside to view the flypast of a 1930s Harvard American military aircraft which was used by the Royal Air Force.
Feedback
"The display is a reflection of the role that art and heritage can play in making our environment more calming and welcoming for patients and visitors. Not only does it capture King's Mill's fascinating past, it also points ahead to a bright future with the creation of the new hospital."
Brian Meakin, Former Chairman
"The response of staff and visitors to the heritage displays produced by Hospital Art Studio for the new King's Treatment Centre has been overwhelmingly positive. The displays reinforce a strong sense of King's Mills place in the heart of a vibrant community serving and caring for generations of local people. The displays celebrate this vital connection and continuity, by bringing the Hospital communities shared heritage to life with personal stories and interesting insights. Such has been the level of interest from the local public; people have been visiting the hospital just to look at the displays. Each panel has a wealth of clearly and creatively arranged images and information, that demand and reward attention. The heritage project and the themed event day have engaged and inspired the hospital community, opening the way for further cultural and heritage activities and commissions."
Niki Holmes, Arts Coordinator, King's Mill Hospital
