New NHS mural brings splash of colour to Blackpool Victoria Hospital

A multi-coloured mural is now on display at Blackpool Victoria Hospital thanks to two artistic members of staff.

Karen Grundy and Quinton Rae are local artists who work at The National Artificial Eye Service in Bispham where they both hand-paint and manufacture artificial eyes. They wanted to use their skills to boost the spirits of hospital staff and visitors with the mural which can be seen near the walkway close to the multi-storey car park

Quinton said: “We have a dedicated team who we enjoy working with and we couldn’t think of a better way to use our medical and scientific art backgrounds. When we are not painting eyes we are more often than not working on other projects.

“The mural has been produced in recognition of the NHS and the vital service it provides. We feel for our patients and colleagues in such traumatic times and would like to show our appreciation for the NHS and all staff, in particular those on the frontline, by way of donating our artwork.

“We wanted to do some communal art in the hope of providing some uplift and got our inspiration from the many drawings displayed in windows drawn by children.

“Karen who has worked on floats for galas and even stage props in the past, suggested we could do a piece in recognition of our NHS during difficult times. We felt quite emotional about it all so immediately set to work on it and it is great to see it in place.’’

The pair, who last year installed a mural in a bus shelter in Staining, are now looking at more projects including some artwork for Clifton Hospital.

Karen said: “It is to be a Blackpool seaside theme which we hope will provide some of our patients at Clifton who are struggling with dementia or other related conditions with a sense of familiarity and a trip down memory lane.

“We have made good progress with it and expect to have it completed over the summer.’’

Chief Executive of Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Kevin McGee, said: “The mural is fantastic and I would like to thank Quinton and Karen for their amazing work.

“The mural really catches the eye and is a great way to recognise the contribution being made by the NHS at this moment in time.’’

 

 

 

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