Some brilliant new images of my project for the new Macmillan Unit at Tameside & Glossop Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust have come to light. It is always refreshing to see how others see your work & the space it was created for. In this instance I was very kindly given permission by Mike Hearle, European Digital Marketing Manager for Construction Specialties– to use images from their website. Construction Specialities supplied and installed the solid timber handrails running through the unit. Take a look …the artwork was digitally printed and installed by VGL. The project was delivered by IBI Group Architects and Willis Newson, the UK’s leading arts and health consultancy.
Tameside Hospital New Macmillan Unit. Artwork by Christopher Tipping. Image by kind permission of Construction SpecialitiesTameside Hospital New Macmillan Unit. Artwork by Christopher Tipping. Image by kind permission of Construction SpecialitiesTameside Hospital New Macmillan Unit. Artwork by Christopher Tipping. Image by kind permission of Construction SpecialitiesTameside Hospital New Macmillan Unit. Artwork by Christopher Tipping. Image by kind permission of Construction SpecialitiesTameside Hospital New Macmillan Unit. Artwork by Christopher Tipping. Image by kind permission of Construction SpecialitiesTameside Hospital New Macmillan Unit. Artwork by Christopher Tipping. Image by kind permission of Construction SpecialitiesTameside Hospital New Macmillan Unit. Artwork by Christopher Tipping. Image by kind permission of Construction SpecialitiesTameside Hospital New Macmillan Unit. Artwork by Christopher Tipping. Image by kind permission of Construction SpecialitiesTameside Hospital New Macmillan Unit. Artwork by Christopher Tipping. Image by kind permission of Construction SpecialitiesTameside Hospital New Macmillan Unit. Artwork by Christopher Tipping. Image by kind permission of Construction Specialities
The Chemotherapy Treatment Room. During my last visit to site on 13th March 2017 – I was really interested to see how the creative concept for the project had been applied in the Chemotherapy Treatment Room – a state of the art, 6 chair Chemotherapy Suite.
The artwork was to be applied to the adjustable privacy screens adjacent to each chair. The work forms a continuous landscape, divided into 6 sections, which will be continually re-arranged to present new combinations as the screens are used throughout the day.
These screens were manufactured and installed by Kwickscreen.
The Christie Hospital has also launched a 3 day a week chemotherapy service at the new £1.8m Macmillan Unit.
Interior of the Chemotherapy Suite at the New Macmillan Unit, showing artwork applied to the privacy screens. Project Artist: Christopher TippingInterior of the Chemotherapy Suite at the New Macmillan Unit, showing artwork applied to the privacy screens. Project Artist: Christopher TippingInterior of the Chemotherapy Suite at the New Macmillan Unit, showing artwork applied to the privacy screens. Project Artist: Christopher TippingInterior of the Chemotherapy Suite at the New Macmillan Unit, showing artwork applied to the privacy screens. Project Artist: Christopher TippingInterior of the Chemotherapy Suite at the New Macmillan Unit, showing artwork applied to the privacy screens. Project Artist: Christopher TippingInterior of the Chemotherapy Suite at the New Macmillan Unit, showing artwork applied to the privacy screens. Project Artist: Christopher TippingInterior of the Chemotherapy Suite at the New Macmillan Unit, showing artwork applied to the privacy screens. Project Artist: Christopher TippingInterior of the Chemotherapy Suite at the New Macmillan Unit, showing artwork applied to the privacy screens. Project Artist: Christopher TippingInterior of the Chemotherapy Suite at the New Macmillan Unit, showing artwork applied to the privacy screens. Project Artist: Christopher TippingInterior of the Chemotherapy Suite at the New Macmillan Unit, showing artwork applied to the privacy screens. Project Artist: Christopher TippingInterior of the Chemotherapy Suite at the New Macmillan Unit, showing artwork applied to the privacy screens. Project Artist: Christopher Tipping
I made my last visit to site on 13th March 2017 – to see the artworks fully installed. The interiors throughout the new unit are all completed, fully furnished and operational and the first clinics were to be held the very next day. Tameside Macmillan Unit Willis Newson
No more words – only images –
Interior detail of the New Macmillan Unit at Tameside Hospital – Project Artist: Christopher TippingInterior detail of the New Macmillan Unit, showing the main corridor bespoke wallcovering. Project Artist: Christopher TippingInterior of the New Macmillan Unit, showing a detail of the main corridor bespoke wall covering. Project Artist: Christopher TippingInterior of the New Macmillan Unit, showing a detail of the main corridor bespoke wall covering. Project Artist: Christopher TippingInterior of the New Macmillan Unit, showing a detail of the main corridor bespoke wall covering & timber handrail. Project Artist: Christopher TippingInterior of the New Macmillan Unit, showing a detail of the main corridor bespoke wall covering. Project Artist: Christopher TippingInterior of the New Macmillan Unit, showing a detail of the main corridor bespoke wall covering. Project Artist: Christopher TippingInterior of the New Macmillan Unit, showing a detail of the main corridor bespoke wall covering. Project Artist: Christopher TippingInterior of the New Macmillan Unit, showing a detail of the main corridor bespoke wall covering. Project Artist: Christopher TippingInterior of the New Macmillan Unit, showing a detail of the main corridor bespoke wall covering & solid timber handrail. Project Artist: Christopher TippingInterior of the New Macmillan Unit, showing a detail of the main corridor bespoke wall covering & solid timber handrail. Project Artist: Christopher TippingInterior of the New Macmillan Unit, showing a detail of the main corridor bespoke wall covering. Project Artist: Christopher TippingInterior of the New Macmillan Unit, showing a detail of the main corridor bespoke wall covering. Project Artist: Christopher TippingInterior of the New Macmillan Unit, showing a detail of the main corridor bespoke wall covering. Project Artist: Christopher TippingInterior of the New Macmillan Unit, showing a detail of the main corridor bespoke wall covering. Project Artist: Christopher TippingInterior of the New Macmillan Unit, showing a detail of the main corridor bespoke wall covering. Project Artist: Christopher TippingInterior of the New Macmillan Unit, showing a detail of the main corridor bespoke wall covering. Project Artist: Christopher TippingInterior of the New Macmillan Unit, showing a detail of the main corridor bespoke wall covering. Project Artist: Christopher TippingInterior of the New Macmillan Unit, showing a detail of the main corridor bespoke wall covering. Project Artist: Christopher TippingInterior of the New Macmillan Unit, showing a detail of the main corridor bespoke wall covering. Project Artist: Christopher TippingInterior of the New Macmillan Unit, showing a detail of the main corridor bespoke wall covering as seen through the laminated glazed screens. Project Artist: Christopher TippingInterior of the New Macmillan Unit, showing a detail of the main corridor bespoke wall covering as seen through the laminated glazed screens. Project Artist: Christopher TippingInterior of the New Macmillan Unit, showing a detail of the main corridor bespoke wall covering as seen through the laminated glazed screens. Project Artist: Christopher TippingInterior of the New Macmillan Unit, showing a detail of the main corridor bespoke wall covering as seen through the laminated glazed screens. Project Artist: Christopher TippingInterior of the New Macmillan Unit, showing a detail of the main corridor bespoke wall covering as seen through the laminated glazed screens. Project Artist: Christopher TippingInterior of the New Macmillan Unit, showing a detail of the main corridor bespoke wall covering as seen through the laminated glazed screens. Project Artist: Christopher TippingInterior of the New Macmillan Unit, showing a detail of the main corridor bespoke wall covering as seen through the laminated glazed screens. Project Artist: Christopher TippingInterior of the New Macmillan Unit, showing a detail of the external glazing artworks. Project Artist: Christopher TippingInterior of the New Macmillan Unit, showing a detail of the external glazing artworks. Project Artist: Christopher TippingInterior of the New Macmillan Unit, showing a detail of the external glazing artworks. Project Artist: Christopher TippingInterior of the New Macmillan Unit, showing a detail of the external glazing artworks. Project Artist: Christopher TippingInterior of the New Macmillan Unit, showing a detail of the external glazing artworks. Project Artist: Christopher TippingInterior of the New Macmillan Unit, showing a detail of the external glazing artworks. Project Artist: Christopher Tipping
New Macmillan Unit for Tameside& Glossop Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust
I know that this has been a rather long session of recent postings – but I am in ‘catch-up’ mode and before the new unit opens I wanted to get as much of the project documented, so bear with me if you can !
Detail: digitally printed large scale corridor Wallcovering. New Macmillan Unit. Image: Bronwen Gwillim
By far the most visible of the installations being delivered is the large scale bespoke ‘landscape’ running the length of the new corridor space. This artwork is not a linear narrative, so can be experienced from whatever direction you are walking in. It isn’t a conventional landscape either, with a foreground, horizon and expansive sky. It may have elements of this about it – BUT, the original walk I made with Stewart Ramsden into the Landscape of Tameside was only the beginning of a creative process and the development of a descriptive iconography which could help to tell a story about a journey.
Detail: digitally printed large scale corridor Wallcovering. New Macmillan Unit. Image: Bronwen GwillimClose up detail: digitally printed large scale corridor Wallcovering. New Macmillan Unit. Image: Bronwen Gwillim
The artwork was developed, manufactured and installed by VGL Ltd. The work is printed onto Dreamscape Suede Wallcovering which has a Poly Cotton fabric backing.
The design work was extensively sampled, with sample installations being carried out at the Hospital – as you can see from the following images. Where necessary the design was then tweaked to fit following comments before finally being approved for full printing and manufacture.
Main Corridor to the New Macmillan Unit by IBI Group Architects prior to the installation of the artworks. Image: Bronwen GwillimThe detail strips of artwork , shown here in red, were to be sample printed by VGL at full scale for discussion and approval. Image: Christopher TippingThe detail strips of artwork , shown here in red, were to be sample printed by VGL at full scale for discussion and approval. Image: Christopher TippingFull scale strip samples of the corridor wallcovering arrived at the studio for review. Image: Christopher TippingFull scale strip samples of the corridor wallcovering arrived at the studio for review. Image: Christopher TippingFull scale strip samples of the corridor wallcovering arrived at the studio for review. Image: Christopher TippingFull scale strip samples of the corridor wallcovering arrived at the studio for review. Image: Christopher Tipping
Following approval of the strip samples, a full scale print run started and was installed on site for further comment and review / approval.
Installation of the full scale corridor artwork begins on site. Image: Gareth LlewellynInstallation of the full scale corridor artwork begins on site. Image: Gareth LlewellynInstallation of the full scale corridor artwork begins on site. Image: Gareth LlewellynInstallation of the full scale corridor artwork begins on site. Image: Gareth LlewellynInstallation of the full scale corridor artwork begins on site. Image: Gareth LlewellynInstallation of the full scale corridor artwork begins on site. Image: Gareth LlewellynInstallation of the full scale corridor artwork begins on site. Image: Gareth LlewellynInstallation of the full scale corridor artwork begins on site. Image: Bronwen GwillimInstallation of the full scale corridor artwork begins on site. Image: Bronwen GwillimInstallation of the full scale corridor artwork begins on site. Image: Bronwen GwillimInstallation of the full scale corridor artwork begins on site. Image: Bronwen GwillimInstallation of the full scale corridor artwork begins on site. Image: Bronwen GwillimInstallation of the full scale corridor artwork begins on site. Image: Bronwen GwillimInstallation of the full scale corridor artwork begins on site. Image: Bronwen GwillimInstallation of the full scale corridor artwork begins on site. Image: Bronwen GwillimInstallation of the full scale corridor artwork begins on site. Image: Bronwen GwillimInstallation of the full scale corridor artwork begins on site. Image: Bronwen Gwillim
Draft studio sample proof by VGL – glazing vinyl print for review and comment – Image: Christopher TippingDraft site installation of the glazing vinyl print for review and comment – Image: Bronwen GwillimDetail: Digitally printed tonal white onto optically clear vinyl manifestations. image: Bronwen GwillimDraft install of sample proof glazing vinyl print for review and comment – Image: Bronwen Gwillim
Along the main corridor within the new unit are a series of rooms for staff, service users and their families, consulting and treatment spaces. Almost all of these rooms look out onto a blank brick wall of an adjacent building about 1.5m from the windows. The artwork is digitally printed in tones of opaque and translucent white ink onto optically clear vinyl. Cut out detailing and clear unprinted areas bring the brick all, colour and texture to work with the design and integrate what could otherwise have been an unforgiving backdrop and view to those working and visiting the spaces.
We have collaborated with Vinyl Graphics Ltd– VGL – for this element of the project.
Draft install of sample proof glazing vinyl print for review and comment – Image: Bronwen GwillimDraft site installation of the glazing vinyl print for review and comment – Image: Bronwen Gwillim
Draft production design for print-white artwork onto optically clear vinyl manifestations. Image: VGL LtdDraft site installation of the glazing vinyl print for review and comment – Image: Bronwen GwillimAdjacent brick wall elevation and backdrop to the new interior spaces – before the project started. Image: Christopher TippingSub-Waiting room design draft using the external brick backdrop as an integrated design feature. Image: Christopher TippingDraft studio sample proof glazing vinyl print for review and comment – Image: Christopher TippingDraft studio sample proof glazing vinyl print for review and comment – Image: Christopher TippingSub-Waiting room design proposal using the external brick backdrop as an integrated design feature. Image: Christopher TippingMulti-Function Room design proposal using the external brick backdrop as an integrated design feature. Image: Christopher Tipping
Interior detail of the New Macmillan Unit, showing the Timber Partition Screens following the installation of the glazed panels. Artist: Christopher Tipping. Image: The Printed Film CompanyDetail of one of the Glazed Partition Screens against a backdrop of the printed wallcovering. Image: Bronwen Gwillim
The artwork proposals extend to and include a series of glazed partition screens situated along one side of the main corridor, opposite the large-scale bespoke wallcovering, which itself acts as a grand backdrop to the new unit. The screens however, can be viewed from both sides, extending the reach of the artwork, which becomes something of a ‘theatre in the round’, presenting multiple viewing points and visual ‘conversations’ & interplay, not only with the artwork, but with the wider architectural scheme and interiors. The brief called for these screens to have the artwork encapsulated as a printed laminate between layers of safety glass. I collaborated with both VGL and The Printed Film Company on this element of the work.
“We were asked to supply decorative laminated safety glass partitions in the main corridor; 6mm + 6mm low iron toughened glass, PVB laminated encapsulating our optically clear PET interlayer, on which we digitally printed the required designs to give pleasing environmental visuals along with manifestation. We procured the glass, printed the interlayer’s and managed the lamination process before delivering the laminated panels to site for installation”.
There are some lovely images of the work on their website –
The glazing panels were fitted into timber frames by the Macmillan Project main contractors, John Turner Construction Group
Draft design for glazed partition screen to main corridor. Image: Christopher TippingDraft design for glazed partition screen to main corridor. Image: Christopher TippingInterior detail of the New Macmillan Unit, showing the Timber Partition Screens prior to the installation of the glazed panels. Image: Bronwen GwillimInterior detail of the New Macmillan Unit, showing the Timber Partition Screens following the installation of the glazed panels. Artist: Christopher Tipping. Image: The Printed Film CompanyInterior detail of the New Macmillan Unit, showing the Timber Partition Screens following the installation of the glazed panels. Artist: Christopher Tipping. Image: The Printed Film CompanyInterior detail of the New Macmillan Unit, showing the Timber Partition Screens following the installation of the glazed panels. Image: Bronwen GwillimInterior detail of the New Macmillan Unit, showing the Timber Partition Screens prior to the installation of the glazed panels. Image: Bronwen GwillimInterior detail of the New Macmillan Unit, showing the Timber Partition Screens following the installation of the glazed panels. Image: Bronwen Gwillim
This image also shows the print-white vinyl manifestations applied to the external glazing. These panels provided a much needed interface between the interior paces and the black brick wall outside.
Draft design for 2 glazed partition screens to the main corridor. Image: Christopher TippingDraft designs for 4 glazed partition screens to the main corridor. Image: Christopher Tipping
Areas of optically clear glazing, with no artwork are shown here – images above and below – in black.
Draft designs for 2 glazed partition screens to the main corridor. Image: Christopher TippingProduction design draft for 4 glazed partition screens to the main corridor. Image: VGL
This colour image forms part of the production design detailing and indicates – via darker and lighter magenta tones, the opacity and translucency of a white interlayer, which has colour printed on both sides. The darker the tone, the more opaque the colour.
Production design technical draft for 4 glazed partition screens to the main corridor. Image: The Printed Film Co
The image above, illustrates the same process described earlier whereby the print-white layer creates the opacity and transparency of the final colour artwork – in this instance the degrees of print-white are indicated in shades of blue.
A wide range of samples were produced to achieve the right balance of translucent and opaque colour.
Production related design samples design for glazed partition screens to the main corridor. Image: Christopher TippingProduction related glass design samples by The Printed Film Company for the glazed partition screens to the main corridor. Image: Bronwen GwillimProduction related glass design samples by The Printed Film Company for the glazed partition screens to the main corridor. Image: Bronwen GwillimDetail of one of the Glazed Partition Screens against a backdrop of the printed wallcovering. Image: Bronwen GwillimDetail of one of the Glazed Partition Screens against a backdrop of the printed wallcovering. Image: Bronwen Gwillim
Draft design for the Tameside ‘landscape’ of 5 interrelated & double-sided retractable privacy screens in the Chemotherapy Treatment Room. Image: Christopher Tipping
The Chemotherapy Treatment Room within the New Macmillan Unit at Tameside and Glossop Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust will feature five retractable ‘pull-out’ privacy screens manufactured by Kwickscreen, onto which artwork can be digitally printed. The flexible material for printing is an opaque, but translucent (if that makes sense!) crisp white vinyl. We have proposed a series of artworks inspired by the theme originally drawn out in the main corridor artwork & also by the new planting and design of the adjacent external courtyard designed by Olivia Kirk Gardens. The large windows of the Treatment Room face directly into this newly refurbished and planted space.
It is unlikely that all the screens will be drawn out at the same time…what is more likely is that smaller sections of each screen may be visible at various times, creating an ever changing backdrop to the activity in the room.
A draft design for the Chemotherapy Treatment Room retractable privacy screen. Image: Kwickscreen / Christopher TippingPlan Drawing – A draft design for the 5 screens in the Chemotherapy Treatment Room featuring retractable privacy screens. Image: Christopher Tipping / IBI Group ArchitectsDraft design for the 5 double sided retractable privacy screens in the Chemotherapy Treatment Room. Image: Christopher Tipping1 of 5 – ‘Tameside Landscape’ of interrelated & double-sided retractable privacy screens in the Chemotherapy Treatment Room. Image: Christopher Tipping2 of 5 – ‘Tameside Landscape’ of interrelated & double-sided retractable privacy screens in the Chemotherapy Treatment Room. Image: Christopher Tipping3 of 5 – ‘Tameside Landscape’ of interrelated & double-sided retractable privacy screens in the Chemotherapy Treatment Room. Image: Christopher Tipping4 of 5 – ‘Tameside Landscape’ of interrelated & double-sided retractable privacy screens in the Chemotherapy Treatment Room. Image: Christopher Tipping5 of 5 – ‘Tameside Landscape’ of interrelated & double-sided retractable privacy screens in the Chemotherapy Treatment Room. Image: Christopher Tipping
We decided to keep the development and manufacture of the detailed site-specific artwork for the unit under wraps to allow for further consultation, production development and sampling etc. Since the last post 8 months ago now, things have really moved on!
Following design approvals and sign-off at the end of April 2016, we embarked on the detailed design work for production with VGLand other specialist contractors and suppliers.
We are collaborating with VGL on a broad range of digital designs, including a large scale polychrome bespoke Wallcovering to the Main Corridor and print-white Glazing Vinyls to the external glazing frames. VGL are further assisting us in the supply of digital production files for:
Retractable Privacy Screens for the Chemotherapy Treatment Room, being manufactured and supplied by Kwickscreen.
The following images show some of this process, including building works, sampling and sample site-installations, testing the ideas. Many thanks to Architects IBI Group and Main Contractors John Turner
One that got away ! …Early drafts for undeveloped SuperGraphic signage / railing detail.
Draft for SuperGraphic signage / railing for the Macmillan Unit entrance by Christopher Tipping.
Draft for SuperGraphic signage / railing for the Macmillan Unit entrance by Christopher Tipping. Image: Christopher Tipping / IBI Group Architects
Michael Hughes of IBI Group – our Project Architect, has however designed a brilliant new canopy entrance feature – not sure I can show that one just yet ! – but will get an image asap !
A large vocabulary of individual landscape inspired elements were developed for the project, using documentary photographs taken on my walk with Stewart & further drawings and studies made in the studio.
List of vector images and iconography developed for the new Tameside Macmillan Unit by Christopher Tipping. Image: Christopher TippingColour iconography / elements developed for the new Tameside Macmillan Unit by Christopher Tipping. Image: Christopher Tipping
As per usual in my practice, some of this iconography is part of a common language of ideas which appear throughout my work – some are original to this project, some may find their way into the next project. Some have migrated from a previous project. This is my original ‘handwriting’, and may offer clues to the driving elements which fuel my approach to any work.
Individual coloured iconography / element developed for the new Tameside Macmillan Unit by Project Artist Christopher Tipping. Image: Christopher TippingIndividual coloured iconography / element developed for the new Tameside Macmillan Unit by Project Artist Christopher Tipping. Image: Christopher TippingIndividual coloured landscape inspired iconography / element developed for the new Tameside Macmillan Unit by Project Artist Christopher Tipping. Image: Christopher TippingHow to make a DREAM STREAM – Individual coloured landscape inspired iconography / element developed for the new Tameside Macmillan Unit by Project Artist Christopher Tipping. Image: Christopher TippingHow to make A44.’DREAM STREAM’ – rules on creating an Individual coloured landscape inspired iconography / element developed for the new Tameside Macmillan Unit by Project Artist Christopher Tipping. Image: Christopher TippingStudy for REEDS – Individual iconography / inspired by Tameside Landscape, developed for the New Macmillan Unit by Project Artist Christopher Tipping. Image: Christopher TippingStudy for PLOUGH PATTERN – Individual iconography / inspired by Tameside Landscape, developed for the New Macmillan Unit by Project Artist Christopher Tipping. Image: Christopher TippingStudy for A66. LARGE GRITSTONE – Individual iconography / inspired by Tameside Landscape, developed for the New Macmillan Unit by Project Artist Christopher Tipping. Image: Christopher TippingScreenshot of Bespoke Corridor WallCovering Production Artwork v1, inspired by a walk in the landscape of Tameside, developed for the New Macmillan Unit by Project Artist Christopher Tipping. Image: Christopher TippingScreenshot of Bespoke Corridor WallCovering Production Artwork v1, inspired by a walk in the landscape of Tameside, developed for the New Macmillan Unit by Project Artist Christopher Tipping. Image: Christopher TippingScreenshot of Bespoke Corridor WallCovering Production Artwork v1, inspired by a walk in the landscape of Tameside, developed for the New Macmillan Unit by Project Artist Christopher Tipping. Image: Christopher TippingScreenshot of Bespoke Corridor WallCovering Production Artwork v1, inspired by a walk in the landscape of Tameside, developed for the New Macmillan Unit by Project Artist Christopher Tipping. Image: Christopher Tipping
27th April 2016 – Tameside Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Ashton Under Lyne
Tameside Macmillan Unit – Detail: Draft Colourways Artwork for the Circulation Corridor Wall. Image: Project Artist Christopher Tipping
On Wednesday this week I attended a meeting of the project Arts Group to present the research, creative concept & draft development of the artwork for the TMU – Tameside Macmillan Unit. The pdf can be viewed via this link:
“Chris’ designs were presented to patient and staff representatives yesterday and were very well received. People felt they were really true to the original concept and Stewart Ramsden, the patient representative who took Chris on the walk was especially pleased. He felt the layers of detail offered repeated rewards for patients needing to return to the centre again and again. He also liked the semi abstract nature of the work which allowed people to find their own interpretation whilst still being very evocative of familiar local places”. Bronwen Gwillim – Creative DirectorWillis Newson
Some of the images from the pdf and the meeting are posted below –
Tameside Macmillan Unit – Draft Artwork for the Circulation Corridor Wall. Image: Project Artist Christopher TippingTameside Macmillan Unit – Detail: Draft Artwork 1 of 3 for the Circulation Corridor Wall. Image: Project Artist Christopher TippingTameside Macmillan Unit – Detail: Draft Artwork 2 of 3 for the Circulation Corridor Wall. Image: Project Artist Christopher TippingTameside Macmillan Unit – Detail: Draft Artwork 3 of 3 for the Circulation Corridor Wall. Image: Project Artist Christopher TippingTameside Macmillan Unit – Draft development – Ink Drawing of Wild Garlic. Image: Christopher TippingTameside Macmillan Unit – Draft development – Ink Drawing of Reeds. Image: Christopher TippingTameside Macmillan Unit – Draft development – Ink Drawing of Branch with leaves. Image: Christopher TippingTameside Macmillan Unit – Draft development – Drawing of Gritsone. Image: Christopher TippingTameside Macmillan Unit – Draft development – Abstract Drawing of Field Pattern. Image: Christopher TippingTameside Macmillan Unit – Draft Stage Art Group Review Meeting. Image: Christopher TippingTameside Macmillan Unit – Draft Stage Art Group Review Meeting. Image: Christopher TippingTameside Macmillan Unit – Draft Stage Art Group Review Meeting. Image: Christopher Tipping
Stewart Ramsden is a member of the TMU Art Group as a Patient Representative. Stewart also happens to be the President of the Tameside Ramblers. He accompanied me on the 12 mile walk in Tameside, which has been the inspiration for this project. Bronwen Gwillim is Creative Director at Willis Newson and is leading on the Arts and Interior Strategy for the Trust.
Tameside Macmillan Unit – Draft Stage Art Group Review Meeting. Image: Christopher Tipping
TMU Art Group members left to right – Sarah Lowiss Haematology Cancer Specialist Nurse, Michael Hughes Project Architect IBI Group & Gareth Llewellyn Capital Projects Manager for the Trust –
Tameside Macmillan Unit – Draft Stage Art Group Review Meeting. Image: Christopher Tipping
The meeting also covered the proposals for colour, fabrics and finishes for the Interiors of the building, which is being delivered by Michael Hughes, IBI Group Project Architect. I am also consulting with Olivia Kirk of Olivia Kirk Gardens who is designing the external courtyard finishes and planting scheme. It is an interesting collaborative process – as I am responding to and being inspired by their proposals for colour, texture and materials, whilst my draft artwork is also influencing the colour field and aesthetic for the project.
“Journeys through the Landscapes of Tameside” – this was the brief for the project and the theme for the 12 mile walk –
Stewart Ramsden, my walking partner compiled the walk – one he has done many times before.
A Stewart Ramsden ‘Ramtrails’ walking route – Wild Bank and Hollingworthall Moor from Godley, Tameside. Tameside Macmillan Unit Project. Map: Reproduced from OS Explorer Map OL 1
Our route was eventually described by an eccentric figure of eight. Wild Bank and Hollingworthall Moor from Godley – a 12 mile walk through town, suburb, farmland and moorland.
This is a walk
A meander, a physical experience or just maybe a day-dream
A walk is more often along a path
The path or footpath changes in colour, texture and topography –
but there is always a remembered route to follow or a map to guide you
or maybe a venture to somewhere new
There is a constancy in moving forward
Things seen on a walk are half experienced and half remembered
A vivid green hedge
A tyre track
A discarded toy
A cloud which looks like a tree, a stream which looks like silver, a flash of colour
Horizon merges with sky
This is a landscape with no fixed perspective
Sky reflected in water
A small stone becomes a boulder
An object picked up and carried in the hand along the way
Track marks in fields are gestural and dynamic
Distant buildings become a child’s building blocks
