Nationally-recognised artist donates prints to ward at Royal Derby
A nationally-recognised artist from Derby has presented 60 prints of his work to Ward 102 at the Royal Derby Hospital.
Andrew Macara, who is based at the University of Derby’s Banks Mill Studios in Derby, has donated a series of prints in various sizes which have been hung all around the modular ward.
The prints are versions of his paintings, which are oil paint on canvas, are scenic images of various locations in Derbyshire, including Markeaton Park and Chatsworth House, and from around the rest of the world.
Andrew said: “The best thing about this has been seeing people’s reaction. When we were hanging them, we saw patients walking into the ward at the bottom of the corridor, looking a little nervous at the start of the corridor but by the time they’d got to the end and seen the pictures, they all had smiles on their faces.
“In my 50 years of painting, that was the best reward I could get.”
Fi Burke, Visual Arts Curator at Air Arts who curated the collection with Andrew, said: “It has been an absolute pleasure to work with Andrew on selecting artworks for Ward 102. The great way Andrew captures light, shade and colour in his work brings the ‘outside’ into the ward and changes the way the space is experienced.
“This collection of Andrew’s art is not only a visual feast but each painting becomes a talking point between patients and with staff as well; that lovely recognition of and connection with familiar places.”
Paul Brooks, Director of Patient Experience, Estates and Facilities Management at UHDB, said: “We’re so thankful to Andrew for donating these wonderful prints that have brought so much colour to Ward 102.
“They look superb and I’m sure they will bring much happiness to the patients on the ward in future.”