New work at the Children's Emergency Department, Royal Derby Hospital

We were recently asked back to the Children's Emergency department at the Royal Derby Hospital to create some artwork for their new paediatric observation unit. We first worked on the ward back in 2010 creating hand painted seaside themed designs. This time, still in the same theme we were asked to incorporate Cedric the seagull, department mascot!

We looked at creating a series of designs which followed 'A day in the life of Cedric Seagull' through a collection of decorative and detailed illustration, allowing the viewer to piece together a story. We also hid a selection of colourful shells within the images so that there were elements the patients could find and interact with.

The designs were printed onto vinyl and wrapped to boards that sat raised slightly away from the wall, creating an interesting installation as you walk down the corridor.

 

As well as our own designs we were asked to incorporate the work of local school children into the scheme who had been invited to create nautical-themed artwork for the new unit. The hospital staff selected three winners and together with a selection of runners up work we had their designs printed onto vinyl and mounted in the same way.

We created a Winner's badge (above) featuring Cedric Seagull himself.

Two of the winners opening the unit with the Mayor, hospital staff and former Derby County player Ian Taylor.

Neonatal Unit Enhancements, Birmingham Heartlands Hospital

 

 

 

Firecatcher were delighted to design a scheme for the Neonatal Ward at Heartlands Hospital, Birmingham. Through a ‘Secret Garden’ theme we explored nature and the idea of the garden being a safe, calm place where things can grow and bloom. We created designs that evoked a sense of calm, curiosity and a feeling of wellbeing with a touch of humour.

Taking inspiration from the Secret Garden book, we created enhancements that would not only decorate the space, but create areas of interest and detail for the parents and the staff who are spending long periods of time in one area. Small details are woven into the leaves for people to spot including little creatures as well as some nice inspirational words and messages of hope.

As well as brightening up the space, a number of enhancements were used as informative devices; encouraging hand washing, presenting health and hospital information, and way-finding.

The colour palette chosen uses a selection of calming, complimentary colours which when used in combination with the neutral wall space create a friendly and contemporary look.

Click here to visit our facebook album and see all the photos.

Dolphin Ward Enhancements - Royal Derby Hospital

Oh to be under the sea!  We loved creating these calming, decorative enhancements for Dolphin Ward in Royal Derby Hospital.  The tranquil tones, incredible sea creatures and swirling waves were a pleasure to work on, and were installed in 8 bedrooms and corridors throughout the Unit.  If you'd like to see some more photos, click here for our facebook album!

Derby Hospital's Newest Jungle...

 

 

 

Our latest, jungle-themed enhancements at Derby Hospital! With limited wall space, tropical birds and sleepy animals were designed to run along the top of the walls so the children could lie in bed and spot the different brightly coloured beasts at their leisure!  We like to think they watch over them and send them pleasant dreams too.

Click here to see the facebook photo album! 

Sunshine Deck, Royal Derby Hospital

Yesterday saw the opening of the newly refurbished Sunshine Deck at Royal Derby Hospital's Children's Unit.  We were asked to create a scheme of vinyls to cover the windows surrounding the deck, using the existing colours on site.

We used a range of brightly coloured transparent vinyls to create a contemporary, fun geometric design that was suitable for the wide age group that would use the unit.  We overlapped the vinyls to create new shades and a sense of depth for the compositions.

Some areas of the scheme needed to be fully printed, so we developed a number of games to allow the children to interact with the artwork, including a board game style illustration, encouraging the children to play creatively.  Oh, and pull a silly face.

An alphabet ran along several other boards, also using the geometric style.

In all, we covered over 35 panels with Firecatcher artwork, creating a vibrant, fun and modern space for playing.

Heartlands Hospital - Journey into Space!

Our intrepid explorers James, Lois and Reg continue their adventures from the PAU Ward and now journey into SPACE! This scheme of enhancements follows their story as they graduate from Space Academy, build a rocket and explore the stars. The designs follow them around the galaxy as the meet new friends, take part in a space race and play football on the moon!

Concepts to completion

We get a lot of questions about our process and how an enhancements scheme comes together so we thought we would do a post showing some of the stages. Initially (after some meetings and discussions!) we come up with a theme, colour scheme and style that will suit the environment and the people who will be using the space. We produce sketches both simple pencil and photoshop. 

As well as our own ideas we use art workshops and ideas sheets to generate ideas from the people who will be using the space. For our recent scheme in the Children's Community Department at Derby Hospital we asked patients to design their own character and create their own house.

As well as the staff's ideas and input the children's designs feed directly into the scheme.

There has to be a certain amount of flexibility when the original designs are painted onto the walls as spaces change and notice boards that weren't there before appear! But by having a strong story and concept initially we are able to work round any obstacles and hopefully produce the most engaging, interactive and decorative end result possible for the space.

Bringing the community together in a new scheme of enhancements

Just before Christmas we had the pleasure of designing and painting a scheme of enhancements for a new department within Derby Royal Hospital. The Children's Community Department will see patients who need regular visits to the hospital so it was therefore important the imagery was packed full of enough detail so that the children would find something new each time they visited.

Taking inspiration from the departments name we decided on the theme of community and created neighbourhoods based both in reality and fairytale. The style of painting is colourful and engaging and designed to spark the children's imaginations and make their hospital visits less daunting. The style uses rollered out blocks of bright colours contrasted with pockets of detail and pattern, each telling a story.

 The more abstract building shapes and the decorative nature of the paintings again in contrast with more figurative elements ensure that the scheme will appeal to the wide age range the Community Department will see when it opens it's doors this month.

To see some more pictures of the scheme click here.