Back | 
Print
News and media
Dazzling display by Aquarius adolescents
24 July 2006
The corridors of Springfield University Hospital, Tooting, headquarters of South West London and St George’s Mental Health NHS Trust, which serves the boroughs of Wandsworth, Kingston, Richmond, Merton and Sutton, have been dealt a cultural full house with a fantastic art display by the young people from Aquarius ward.
The artwork, in the form of sculpted painted panels, is the successful outcome of a term’s work of art lessons in the Aquarius Tuition Unit. The unit, based in Aquarius ward, provides a welcoming and supportive school environment for 11-to-18-year-olds experiencing mental health problems.
The eight wooden panels were designed and painted by the pupils and are based on a study of the 18th Century Italian artist Giovanni Battista Tiepolo.
As part of the project, the young people have had the opportunity to work with professional artist and tutor, Ashley Davis, from the Courtauld Art Gallery in London.
Frances Barrett, teacher in charge, said: “The young people were inspired after a visit to the Courtauld Gallery where they learnt about some of the paintings and techniques employed by Tiepolo.
“At the gallery, the young people were able to experience firsthand some of Tiepolo’s original cartoons and frescoes and wanted to bring back his ideas to share with others through the creation of these new and vibrant works.”
The colourful panels are now on display in the corridor outside the Voyager Café, where the young people’s weekly youth club is held, to allow future service users to enjoy them. Inside the café, community artist Brian Barnes MBE has painted a new mural with input from the young people.
The unit has also celebrated the ‘premiere’ of an instructional DVD on how to make a healthy sandwich produced by the young people. The DVD is the result of a six-week project on media and digital film making funding by the Integrated Youth Services.
- Ends –
Photo caption: One of the eight panels on display with Springfield staff involved in the project, back row, L to R: Alan Proctor, driver/porter; Shaun Dodds, teacher; front row, L to R: Frances Barrett, teacher in charge; Hannah Green, learning support assistant.
PRESS: Philippa Braidwood on 0208 682 6477 or Marisa Shaw on 0208 682 5972.
