Art gives life to new hospital

Amber Hiscott with her window mounted in the atrium (Photo: Richard Wintle. Calyx Multimedia. www.calyxpix.demon.co.uk)

Along with all the plans to complete Swindon's Great Western Hospital in early November, and the huge logistical exercise to transfer staff and patients to the new location at Commonhead, artists have been commissioned to create visually interesting and therapeutic pieces of art around the huge building.

The ArtAlive project is funded by donations to a special section of the Evolution Appeal, not by the tax payer, or from money designated for patient care.

The first work has been commissioned from nationally known stained glass artist Amber Hiscote - a 50 square metre window made up of 24 panels mounted in the five floor front entrance atrium, creating a river of vibrant colour in front of the 600,000 people expected to visit the hospital annually.

Swindon and Marlborough NHS Trust communications director Chris Birdsall said the window will make a significant and confident statement about the role of the visual arts within healthcare.

Other major projects include a stained glass window for the chaplaincy incorporating multi-faith themes and uplifting designs for the three internal courtyards accessible to patients and staff.