Mural project injects colour into Wolfson Cystic Fibrosis Centre

Two new murals have been created at the Wolfson Cystic Fibrosis Centre in Nottingham, thanks to Nottingham Hospitals Charity and local arts charity City Arts,

Mural artists Megan Russell (aka Peachzz) and Alastair Flindall (aka Kunstity) have worked with Cystic Fibrosis (CF) patients to create designs for the walls of the centre, which is located at the City Hospital. The project is funded by a grant from Nottingham Hospitals Charity and the murals were officially unveiled last week (Friday 18 June).

About the Wolfson CF Centre

The Wolfson Cystic Fibrosis Centre serves over 200 patients from across the East Midlands. Cystic Fibrosis affects the internal organs, clogging them with thick sticky mucus. Some people with CF spend a significant amount of time visiting, and staying in, hospital.

The mural project was born from patient and staff desire to brighten the clinal setting that features so heavily in their lives. Research shows that art in hospitals eases anxiety, stress and depression for both patients and care staff, improves communication between patients and carers, and shortens patients’ length of stay in hospital.

Barbara Cathcart, Chief Executive of Nottingham Hospitals Charity, said: “We’re so pleased to be able to fund this special art project for patients at the Wolfson Cystic Fibrosis Centre, many of whom spend weeks or even months out of each year at the Centre. Our Charity exists to provide enhancements that will benefit patients at our hospitals, and we know that artwork like this can have a hugely positive impact, helping to make the environment less clinical and more welcoming.

“Nottingham Hospitals Charity gave over £2.1million towards the Wolfson Cystic Fibrosis Centre when it was built, with the aim of making the environment a ‘home from home’ for patients who would spend a significant amount of time here. We’re delighted that these bright and colourful new murals will help people with Cystic Fibrosis feel relaxed and at home during their hospital stay.”

Patients and staff at the Centre have been involved in every stage of the project. They interviewed and selected the artists, and worked with them to create the designs. The artists, Megan and Alastair, consulted with them using a video conferencing platform. Though this has become commonplace during the pandemic, it would have been necessary anyway as people with Cystic Fibrosis cannot meet due to the risk of spreading infections.

Meaning behind the murals

Megan Dawes, Activity Coordinator, said: “Patients and staff at the centre have really come together to share their vision and ideas for the murals. City Arts and the incredible artists, Megan and Alistair, have worked hard to fulfil this vision and we are so pleased with the final designs!”

The final artworks contain colours and symbols that will be meaningful to many people with Cystic Fibrosis. Roses refer to ’65 Roses’, a 4-year old’s mispronunciation of the condition’s name. Today, “65 Roses” is a term often used by young children with cystic fibrosis to pronounce the name. Purple was formerly the colour of Cystic Fibrosis Awareness. Yellow is the current colour.

Kate Duncan, Programme Director – Wellbeing at City Arts said: “It’s been incredible to work with the patients and staff at the Wolfson Centre. Their enthusiasm and input has driven every stage of this project. We are delighted with the designs that Megan and Alistair have created with the patients. We hope they will continue to brighten the centre for many years.”

The murals form one part of a bigger project called ‘Colours of Life’. Patients will also be working with a writer and illustrator to create posters to decorate other areas of the hospital.