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! 

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!

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.