Throw caution to the wind - tales of thrill and adventure
Container
Three local artists from Container Plus visited patients in two areas of Barts and The Royal London Hospitals: chemotherapy (cancer) and orthopaedics (broken bones). Patients were encouraged to share a story, with help from the artists who asked guiding questions, about adventures throughout their lives; moments when they had done something exciting, daring, scary or memorable. The workshops opened up communication between patients sharing wards, with patients teaching fellow patients songs from their youth, sharing jokes and developing friendships.
The stories that were collected have been transcribed and individually illustrated to create a beautiful, limited edition booklet.
Supported by London Borough of Tower Hamlets Arts and Events Award
Container Plus www.containerplus.co.uk
Outcomes
Feedback from patients and staff was that patients and visitors enjoyed talking to the artists as their visits were a positive distraction from their treatment and the environment. One patient asked to change their appointment in order to attend the workshop.
Copies of the booklet are being left in wards and waiting areas for future patients to enjoy and distributed through the hospital Sweet Trolley. The collection of stories is exhibited as 3D models in the new Royal London Hospital. Have a look at the exhibition on our commissions page.
The project provided patients with a memorable and uplifting opportunity to engage in a high quality art form with two outcomes to be proud of.
Have a read of the stories here: Throw Caution to the Wind
