Emily Allchurch: A year on the river
Emily Allchurch: A year on the river
14 April 2026
The piece, a series of 12 images – each depicting a month of the year – was created by artist Emily Allchurch over twelve months. Emily took photographs following the length of the river, starting at Thames Head in Cirencester in January and following its flow to the mouth of the river at Southend-on-Sea in December.
Following her graduation from the Royal College of Art, Emily started her career as an Arts Coordinator within the Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust in 2001, which, back then, was known as the Hammersmith Hospital NHS Trust. She later left to pursue being an artist full-time.
Her new artwork focuses on the ‘not always obvious’ parts of the journey, while celebrating the river’s history.
When asked which her favourite section was to photograph, she responded: “I loved the scene that I
created for February, in Lechlade. I got up early on a frosty morning, and it was just magical.
“Everything was coated in frost, and the sun was coming out, with a pink sky, and then suddenly I could hear a flapping commotion, and it was the swans all flying up the river together to start their day.”
Having experience with art in a healthcare setting has proved invaluable, as Emily understands the
importance of creativity and artwork for patients and staff alike, and the role art plays in creating a welcoming environment and softening clinical spaces.
“It can transport you, take your
memories to another time, a happier
time, or just make you think of
something positive.”Emily Allchurch
Emily said: “[the artwork] can be a talking point if you're sitting with someone, or it can jog a memory, maybe take you somewhere else.
“It can transport you, take your memories to another time, a happier time, or just make you think of
something positive.”
"The opportunity to work with Imperial Health Charity again has been something of a homecoming
for Emily. She said: “I think it's a lovely full-circle moment. Arts and health are things I really believe in
passionately.
"Like all artists, I want my work to be seen. I want people to benefit from it if they can; if it helps people, or distracts someone in a difficult moment in their life, that’s when I feel a real privilege.”
