ME: Past Present Future
In 2019 we worked with the St Mary's Paediatric psychology and clinical nurse specialists to host a two-day photography workshop at Autograph. Led by photographer Aida Silvestri, the participants were invited to create photographs exploring living with a long-term health condition, particularly thinking about their past, present and future.
The photographs attempt to communicate the mange challenges faced by these young people growing up. The experiences of physical and emotional pain, navigating complex personal relationships and dealing with stigma. The stress of uncertainty and the everyday routines of medication and hospital treatment.
Looking forward, the portraits also explore the young people's hopes and aspirations. Capturing present feelings of joy at discovering new passions, hobbies and friends, as well as imagining a positive future of reaching life goals such as higher education and dream employment. The young people learnt how to set up studio lighting and use professional camera equipment, both photographing each other and creating their own poses and compositions.
The photographs were displayed in a pop-up exhibition at Autograph, 10th October 2019.
This project is supported by Art Social Foundation
Wallace Collection workshops
We have partnered with the Wallace Collection to bring their fascinating collection to patients across the Trust. From famous paintings to their armoury, the Wallace Collection workshops give patients the chance to access their collection from their hospital beds.
The workshops are currently offered to care of the elderly patients and paediatric patients in isolation. To read about how the Wallace Collection have continued to support us during the pandemic, check out our Creative Links: Remote Programme page
Neuro-rehabilitation offsite trips
We are also working with the Neuro-rehabilitation team at Charing Cross Hospital to take patients offsite to a number of museums. These trips offer patients the opportunity to leave the hospital ward, often after months of inpatient rehabilitation. The trips include curator talks, object-handling sessions and tours, giving patients and staff an exclusive experience at London’s most exciting art institutions. We're proud to be able to provide trips like these and once again showcases the work that can be done as a result of your charitable donations to Charing Cross Hospital and others alike.
Past trips have included the British Museum, V&A and Royal Academy.
