Eighteen artistic images of local landmarks have been put on display at Chase Farm Hospital, helping brighten up wards and waiting areas and supporting patient care.

Landmarks that have been depicted include the Royal Gunpowder Mills at Waltham Abbey and the White House in Enfield.

The images were made using a mixture of drawings, scanned images, flat colours and shapes to create a digital collage that seeks to capture the essential character of the landmarks.

“It is a way of paying tribute to our local heritage, recognising past lives, stopping to appreciate that which has perhaps become too familiar and overlooked,” said local illustrator Rachel Oxley, who produced the works.

“I think that displaying local images can nurture attachments and promote a sense of pleasure and belonging,” Rachel said. “I like the idea that as you look at the image the familiarity can make you smile.”

The images, which were funded by a grant from the Royal Free Charity, have been warmly received by both patients and staff. Additionally the works may also be useful as part of therapy for patients needing memory stimulation, particularly for those familiar with the local area.

Kim Fleming, chairman of the Royal Free Charity works of art committee, who commissioned the pictures, said: “These attractive new works are another means of improving the look and feel of Chase Farm Hospital in a way that connects local patients, visitors and staff with our neighbourhoods. I do hope that everyone will enjoy them.”

Some of the pieces are on display on Capetown ward and in the phlebotomy waiting area, with others due to go up on Adelaide ward and the older person’s assessment unit later this summer.

More information on Rachel Oxley’s work can be found on her website: https://rachel-oxley.squarespace.com

Image: artist Rachel Oxley and three of her artworks at Chase Farm Hospital, Capetown ward

ENDS

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About the Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust

The Royal Free began as a pioneering organisation and continues to play a leading role in the care of patients. Our mission is to provide world class expertise and local care. In the 21st century, the Royal Free London continues to lead improvements in healthcare.

The Royal Free London attracts patients from across the country and beyond to its specialist services in liver, kidney and bone marrow transplantation, haemophilia, renal, HIV, infectious diseases, plastic surgery, immunology, vascular surgery, cardiology, amyloidosis and scleroderma and we are a member of the academic health science partnership UCLPartners.

In July 2014 Barnet Hospital and Chase Farm Hospital became part of the Royal Free London. Read our news story: A bigger trust, a better future.