Erin Hughes
Newham Horizons commission workshops, 2024
Following the artist's 2022 collaboration with Vital Arts for a palliative care centre and an A&E staff area, we invited Erin Hughes to undertake a major commission at Newham Hospital. Extending over two floors, the installation features landscape imagery based on green spaces around Newham Hospital.
The artist is known for depicting the rolling hills and waterways of mid Wales, where she is based. For this project, however, Hughes transferred her sensibilities to east London where she spent time meeting with patients and staff, and discovering some of the natural scenery and beauty spots in Plaistow.
To develop this artwork, Hughes led a series of creative workshops with patient groups. Hughes taught the participants to create hand-made marbled paper. She demonstrated the ancient tradition of decorative stone marquetry, known as pietra dura which uses inlaid coloured stones to create patterns or imagery—an aesthetic which runs throughout her practice.
Using the hand made paper, participants created collages featuring their favourite local green spaces, which Hughes incorporated into the final installation. Along with an extensive series of works on paper, the artist designed floor to ceiling window treatments that produce the illusion of a rural landscape within a brick wall courtyard. The installation also includes elements that emanate beyond the framed collages, enlivening entire corridors.
“Participating in this project really helped boost my confidence – not that I struggle with meeting new people; rather, being part of a group of people who managed to create something gave me a real sense of achievement. It made me feel like I could accomplish things. Meeting new people, being involved in a group activity, and just getting out of the house to do something productive was so valuable. And doing it for a good cause made it even more rewarding.
I absolutely loved the atmosphere of the participation workshops. The music made it such a fun experience. It felt like an escape—you’re in a room, listening to music, making some art, and suddenly, you’re just having a great time. If I’m honest, I wish it could have lasted longer!
The best part, though, was seeing my work on the wall. It was such an incredible moment—seeing my artwork displayed so prominently made the hairs on my arms stand up. It gave me a real sense of pride and accomplishment. I never expected you to actually put my pieces on the wall, and certainly not that they would be so big! I thought maybe you’d make them tiny and tuck them away in a corner where they wouldn’t disturb anyone. It was amazing to see them presented like that, and I really appreciate the print you gave me as well.
This project had a positive impact in so many ways. I even got to meet some local MPs at the launch, and it helped me with some personal challenges. Previously, an MP had been assisting me with an important ongoing social housing issue, and because I attended the launch event, I engaged with the gentleman who has taken over her role. I was able to take his details, email him, and potentially continue getting the help I need. It felt like a real step forward in terms of reaching out for support and having that context for our meeting was really important.
It was also great to meet Simon, the CEO of the hospital. And, of course, the Working Together Group —my social circle, or as I call them, “my girls”—were there. It’s always a pleasure to meet up with them. I also had the chance to meet the wider Vital Arts team, and it was really great to connect with them as well.
...I viewed it as an honour and a privilege to be invited to the launch...I took my friend and carer to the event, and it was such a proud moment to show them what I had achieved through a patient participation activity. It illustrated the difference I can help make.
There’s a possibility I might need to use the ICU unit in the next few years, and knowing that my artwork will be there is comforting. The building is state-of-the-art, 15 years more advanced than the RLH [Royal London Hospital], and it’s amazing to think my work will be part of that. A friend of mine...saw the images from the ICU and said, ‘Now that’s what I’m talking about’—calm, soothing images. That’s the kind of impact art should have in a hospital. Nature scenes and calm scenes are known to lower anxiety levels and associated pulse and blood pressure.
I also want to say thank you again for the print of my artwork. It was such a thoughtful gesture. Erin was brilliant—really kind and made sure we were looked after. It’s not something you usually expect from people who don’t work directly with patients, but she adapted to our needs and even helped me when I needed to bend down. She went above and beyond.
Without the Vital Arts team this wouldn’t have been possible and they have done an excellent job - blank walls are no good and they have really delivered an excellent ‘vibe’ to the new units. I’d like to say a particular special thank you for all the kind support and understanding of my health issues and general enthusiasm and positivity which makes a real difference to me”
“I was honoured to be invited to the launch as my friends carer. I was amazed to see in person the hard work that so many people have put into making the new units state of the art and welcoming. I now understand much better the positive impact that patient participation has on the hospital.”
About the artist
Erin Hughes, born in 1989, lives and works in mid Wales. She studied at the Ruskin School of Art at Oxford University, and received an MA from the Royal College of Art. She has exhibited extensively in Wales and England, as well as in Berlin, Tokyo and Athens. She has an ongoing collaboration with the Will Barnes Quartet, contributing live liquid marbling visuals to accompany their musical performances.
This project was funded by Barts Charity.