Potters of Putney Plant Seeds in St George’s Hospital Garden
The space outside the Intensive Care Unit at St George’s Hospital, Tooting, is currently far from inspiring. The visitors, waiting for news of their loved ones, are left to view a mossy roof space from the waiting room window.
St George’s before
During the summer of 2016, Miranda Duffy, a student of Ceramics at Wandsworth Council’s Putney School of Art and Design (PSAD), spent weeks visiting her mother Antonia at St George’s. Antonia had suffered a bad fall and was in Intensive Care being treated for multiple breaks to her ribs, a punctured liver and other injuries.
Seed Pod Totem Poles
Following surgery, and a very touch and go period, Antonia was finally discharged to another ward, and eventually returned home where she is still recovering. Miranda felt so grateful to the hospital staff and moved to improve the experience of the visiting friends and family. She contacted the hospital, offering to build an art installation on the roof area outside the waiting room, and was delighted that they jumped at the opportunity.
The ceramic class at PSAD, led by tutor Delyth Jones, sprang into action. Together they came up with the theme of seed pods, which cross all cultural and religious boundaries as a symbol of the circle of life. Totem poles were decided on, as they enable many artists to contribute and look engaging, providing a variety of styles, textures and approaches. The project has encouraged the students to stretch themselves creatively, and forced them to overcome all kinds of technical challenges.
The team of potters were thrilled when Enable Leisure and Culture, who managed PSAD on behalf of Wandsworth Council, offered to support the project by supplying not only the clay but the firing of the seed pods.
The project is still in full swing, aiming for a set up date in February 2019. The Seed Pod Totem Poles will appear as part of a garden designed by a team at St George’s and funded by the charity Molly’s Smile.
PSAD
For further information about courses at PSAD click here or email psad@enablelc.org
For more information about the Seed Pod Totem Poles contact:
Miranda Duffy
E: wizington@yahoo.co.uk
T: 07771931869
Molly’s Smile
T: +44 7764 615 018
St George’s Hospital
E: joanna.wakefield@stgeorges.nhs.uk