Category Archives: Tameside Macmillan Unit

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Tameside Macmillan Unit

March 12, 2016 Christopher Tipping Leave a comment

Thursday 10th March 2016

In February I was appointed as artist to the Tameside Macmillan Unit project.

The commission was offered by Tameside Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and Macmillan Cancer Environments.

Willis Newson, one of the UK’s leading Arts and Health Consultancies, are managing the arts and interior design strategy and artist appointment for the project.

‘Tameside Macmillan Unit is a medium sized refurbishment project at Tameside General Hospital in Ashton-under-Lyne, near Manchester. Building on existing facilities provided by the Trust and Macmillan for cancer patients, the new unit will include a Macmillan Information and Support Centre, a 6 chair treatment room, waiting areas, procedure rooms and various spaces for alternative therapies’. Text from Artist’s Brief by Willis Newson

Work is due to start on site in March/April 2016 and due to be completed in September/October 2016.

An integrated approach to art, architecture and design is being delivered by Michael Hughes of IBI Architects supported by KKE Architects delivering landscape design.

Christopher Tipping at top of Wild Bank, Tameside. 399m above Sea Level. Image: Stewart Ramsden

This is me at the top of Wild Bank, Tameside, the highest point on my 12 mile walk with Stewart Ramsden, a member of the project Arts Steering Group, supporting and championing the project – and also Chairman of the Tameside Ramblers.

‘A consultation workshop was held with patient, family and staff representatives to explore opportunities for the art, interiors and courtyard design. The session used creative activities to explore the group members’ personal experience and coping strategies and to identify common themes. Participants shared an appreciation of the value of ‘walking in nature’ as a healing experience and the beauty of the landscapes of Tameside: it was agreed that “Journeys through the Landscapes of Tameside” would provide a good overarching theme’. Text from Artist’s Brief by Willis Newson

It was decided that, due to time concerns and programme, I would base the creative response to the project broadly on a two day visit to meet with unit staff and service users, project architect Michael Hughes of IBI Group, Bronwen Gwillim of Willis Newson & Gareth Llewellyn, Capital Project Manager for the Trust. This was an opportunity for me simply to listen and hear about how cancer services were delivered to patients and how key factors affect that experience and how the environment can really make a difference. We also had a tour of the site – see some images to follow – and a detailed review with the architect of all plans for the work. At the end of Day 1, I walked into Ashton-Under-Lyne, to better understand the setting of the hospital and the community it serves.

Blog, Healthcare Projects, Public Art, Public Realm, Tameside Macmillan Unit

A short walk around the site –

March 12, 2016 Christopher Tipping Leave a comment

Friday 26th February 2016, Ashton-Under-Lyne

OK – so Day 1 began with a project team meeting and then a walk around the site.

A few of the Tameside Macmillan Unit Project Team. Tameside Hospital NHS Foundation Trust. Image by Project Artist Christopher Tipping — A few of the Tameside Macmillan Unit Project Team and Art Steering Group members. Left to right – Michael Hughes Project Architect IBI Group – Gareth Llewellyn Capital Projects Manager for the Trust – Sarah Lowiss Haematology Cancer Specialist Nurse – Vanessa Hickson Macmillan Clinical Nurse Specialist: Breast Care – Stewart Ramsden Patient User Representative. Tameside Hospital NHS Foundation Trust. Image by Project Artist Christopher Tipping

All those mentioned above are standing outside the Ladysmith Building. Bronwen Gwillim of Willis Newson, was part of the group but not in the image –

The Ladysmith Building will be completely refurbished under the new Tameside Macmillan Unit proposals. The project is very exciting and the architects proposals will radically alter the interior and exterior spaces. A transformational experience for staff, service users and visitors alike.

Tameside Hospital, Ladysmith Building Courtyard awaiting refurbishment. Image: Christopher Tipping

Interior of the Ladysmith Building, Tameside Hospital, prior to refurbishment. Image: Christopher Tipping

The view from the entrance to the new Tameside Macmillan Unit. Image: Christopher Tipping

The new Tameside Macmillan Unit will be housed in the single storey building on the far left of this image behind the Heras fencing. Image: Christopher Tipping

The new Macmillan Unit will need to be visible and welcoming to compete with the large scale and massing of adjacent buildings along this hospital road.

Zen-like barrier planting at Tameside Hospital. Image: Christopher Tipping

I like the way that this barrier planting has been maintained & has created a Zen-like ambience than was probably intentioned !

The tall brick chimney on the Tameside Hospital site can be clearly seen from the top of Wild Bank. Image: Christopher Tipping

As with most hospital sites, the developments have been ad-hoc, often within an original boundary, into which the hospital has expanded to fit ! A wide range of buildings, from early industrial and workhouse architecture is still evident amidst the larger scale of later 20th century developments. The hospital recently completed a massive PFI build which has brought the site into the 21st century.

Blog, Healthcare Projects, Public Art, Public Realm, Tameside Macmillan Unit

…and a walk into Ashton-Under-Lyne

March 12, 2016 Christopher Tipping Leave a comment

Friday 26th February 2016 – Ashton-Under-Lyne

What caught my eye walking into Ashton-Under-Lyne was the architectural legacy of an industrial past. Robust brick architecture with exuberant and self-confident detailing.

Industrial brick architecture in Ashton-Under-Lyne. Image: Christopher Tipping

Industrial brick architecture and ironwork in Ashton-Under-Lyne. Image: Christopher Tipping

Metro Cinema - built 1920. Architectural Faience. Ashton-Under-Lyne. Image: Christopher Tipping — Metro Cinema – built 1920. Architectural Faience. Ashton-Under-Lyne. Image: Christopher Tipping

This is an amazing building – wonderful architectural faience ! It occupies a corner site with another fully glazed elevation.

Spectacular & robust doorway. Ashton-Under-Lyne. Image: Christopher Tipping

Architecture in Ashton-Under-Lyne. Image: Christopher Tipping

Decorative Architectural Ironwork, Ashton-Under-Lyne. Image: Christopher Tipping

Elongated doorway - Architecture of Ashton-Under-Lyne. Image: Christopher Tipping — Elongated doorway – Architecture of Ashton-Under-Lyne. Image: Christopher Tipping

Architecture & Streets of Ashton-Under-Lyne. Image: Christopher Tipping

Camden House built 1851, No.2 Grey Street, Ashton-Under-Lyne. Image: Christopher Tipping

Corner building, Stamford Street, Ashton-Under-Lyne. Image: Christopher Tipping

Signage in Ashton-Under-Lyne. Image: Christopher Tipping

Commercial Building, Architecture of Ashton-Under-Lyne. Image: Christopher Tipping

Commercial or Warehouse Building, Ashton-Under-Lyne. Image: Christopher Tipping

Patterns of Architecture in Ashton-Under-Lyne. Image: Christopher Tipping

St Michael and All Angels Church of England, Ashton-Under-Lyne. Image: Christopher Tipping

Blog, Healthcare Projects, Public Art, Public Realm, Tameside Macmillan Unit

Crossing Canals

March 12, 2016 Christopher Tipping Leave a comment

Friday 26th February 2016 – Ashton-Under-Lyne / Dukinfield

Blown away by some of the architecture here – only regret that I didn’t make it to those buildings I could see in the distance – views down streets and across Canals. Cavendish Mills and the Old Swimming Baths, just two of the landmarks I will have to wait to see up close.

Make my way across town towards Dukinfield, where I am staying at Barton Villa. Crossing the Ashton Canal and then the River Tame. The two waterways are very intertwined at this point and sit metres apart.

Crossing the Ashton Canal, Ashton-Under-Lyne. Image: Christopher Tipping

River Tame, Ashton-Under-Lyne. Image: Christopher Tipping

The Bridge over the River Tame - Dukinfield Bridge - Widened 1903. Image: Christopher Tipping — The Bridge over the River Tame – Dukinfield Bridge – Widened 1903. Image: Christopher Tipping

Dukinfield Bridge - the historic dividing line between Lancashire and Cheshire. Image: Christopher Tipping — Dukinfield Bridge – the historic dividing line between Lancashire and Cheshire. Image: Christopher Tipping

Dukinfield Bridge - the historic dividing line between Cheshire and Lancashire. Image: Christopher Tipping — Dukinfield Bridge – the historic dividing line between Cheshire and Lancashire. Image: Christopher Tipping

Blog, Healthcare Projects, Public Art, Public Realm, Tameside Macmillan Unit

…and finally arrive at Barton Villa

March 12, 2016 Christopher Tipping Leave a comment

Friday 26th February 2016 – 6pm ish !

A really long day – and up bright and early tomorrow for a what I think will be a 6 mile walk. (we eventually do a 12 mile walk !) –

Barton Villa, Dukinfield. Image: Christopher Tipping

Really nice place to stay ! – Bronwen said it was good !

Encaustic Tile Hallway - Barton Villa, Dukinfield. Image: Christopher Tipping — Encaustic Tile Hallway – Barton Villa, Dukinfield. Image: Christopher Tipping

The view into Ashton -Under-Lyne from my room - with the Spire of Albion Church in the distance. Image: Christopher Tipping — The view into Ashton -Under-Lyne from my room – with the Spire of Albion Church in the distance. Image: Christopher Tipping

Blog, Healthcare Projects, Public Art, Public Realm, Tameside Macmillan Unit

12 miles in 6 hours – Part One – 09.30am to 10.52am

March 12, 2016 Christopher Tipping Leave a comment

Saturday 27th February 2016

This is the day for our big walk ! Stewart Ramsden is walking with me – he knows the area so well and has done this walk may times – often leading groups in his capacity as Chair of the Tameside Ramblers ! This is one of Stewart’s ‘Ramtrails’!

Our walk will take in Wild Bank and Hollingworthall Moor from Godley.

The weather is overcast and grey, very cold, with a possibility of rain / sleet. I really don’t care. I am so looking forward to this. Everything is new to me – even my hiking boots and weatherproof jacket. We set off from Stewart’s home at around 09.30am.

Tameside Hospital New Macmillan Unit - Art Project Research Walk. Image: Christopher Tipping — Tameside Hospital New Macmillan Unit – Art Project Research Walk. Image: Christopher Tipping

The first view of Wild Bank in the distance !

Crossing the M67 - Tameside Hospital New Macmillan Unit - Art Project Research Walk. Image: Christopher Tipping — Crossing the M67 – Tameside Hospital New Macmillan Unit – Art Project Research Walk. Image: Christopher Tipping

A sign of things to come - very wet, very muddy ! Tameside Hospital New Macmillan Unit - Art Project Research Walk. Image: Christopher Tipping — A sign of things to come – very wet, very muddy ! Tameside Hospital New Macmillan Unit – Art Project Research Walk. Image: Christopher Tipping

Passing Farm Buildings - Tameside Hospital New Macmillan Unit - Art Project Research Walk. Image: Christopher Tipping — Passing Farm Buildings – Tameside Hospital New Macmillan Unit – Art Project Research Walk. Image: Christopher Tipping

Landmarks and details. Tameside Hospital New Macmillan Unit - Art Project Research Walk. Image: Christopher Tipping — Landmarks and details. Tameside Hospital New Macmillan Unit – Art Project Research Walk. Image: Christopher Tipping

Into a wooded Dell - Tameside Hospital New Macmillan Unit - Art Project Research Walk. Image: Christopher Tipping — Into a wooded Dell – Tameside Hospital New Macmillan Unit – Art Project Research Walk. Image: Christopher Tipping

Signs of Spring - Tameside Hospital New Macmillan Unit - Art Project Research Walk. Image: Christopher Tipping — Signs of Spring – Tameside Hospital New Macmillan Unit – Art Project Research Walk. Image: Christopher Tipping

A landmark tree - Tameside Hospital New Macmillan Unit - Art Project Research Walk. Image: Christopher Tipping — A landmark tree – Tameside Hospital New Macmillan Unit – Art Project Research Walk. Image: Christopher Tipping

Footpath Footpath ! - Tameside Hospital New Macmillan Unit - Art Project Research Walk. Image: Christopher Tipping — Footpath Footpath ! – Tameside Hospital New Macmillan Unit – Art Project Research Walk. Image: Christopher Tipping

Last year's grasses - Tameside Hospital New Macmillan Unit - Art Project Research Walk. Image: Christopher Tipping — Last year’s grasses – Tameside Hospital New Macmillan Unit – Art Project Research Walk. Image: Christopher Tipping

Marsh and flood - Tameside Hospital New Macmillan Unit - Art Project Research Walk. Image: Christopher Tipping — Marsh and flood – Tameside Hospital New Macmillan Unit – Art Project Research Walk. Image: Christopher Tipping

Over the golf Course - Tameside Hospital New Macmillan Unit - Art Project Research Walk. Image: Christopher Tipping — Over the golf Course – Tameside Hospital New Macmillan Unit – Art Project Research Walk. Image: Christopher Tipping

10.30am - Tameside Hospital New Macmillan Unit - Art Project Research Walk. Image: Christopher Tipping — 10.30am – Stalybridge Celtic Football Ground – Tameside Hospital New Macmillan Unit – Art Project Research Walk. Image: Christopher Tipping

10.31am - Down the narrow path by Inglewood Coach House - Tameside Hospital New Macmillan Unit - Art Project Research Walk. Image: Christopher Tipping — 10.31am – Down the narrow path by Inglewood Coach House – Tameside Hospital New Macmillan Unit – Art Project Research Walk. Image: Christopher Tipping

10.32am - Tameside Hospital New Macmillan Unit - Art Project Research Walk. Image: Christopher Tipping — 10.32am – Tameside Hospital New Macmillan Unit – Art Project Research Walk. Image: Christopher Tipping

10.33am - It's like we are in someone's garden ! Tameside Hospital New Macmillan Unit - Art Project Research Walk. Image: Christopher Tipping — 10.33am – It’s like we are in someone’s garden ! Tameside Hospital New Macmillan Unit – Art Project Research Walk. Image: Christopher Tipping

Ashes Cottage built 1717 - its been on the telly ! - Tameside Hospital New Macmillan Unit - Art Project Research Walk. Image: Christopher Tipping — Ashes Cottage built 1717 – its been on the telly ! – Tameside Hospital New Macmillan Unit – Art Project Research Walk. Image: Christopher Tipping

...and via a bit of suburbia - Tameside Hospital New Macmillan Unit - Art Project Research Walk. Image: Christopher Tipping — …and via a bit of suburbia – Tameside Hospital New Macmillan Unit – Art Project Research Walk. Image: Christopher Tipping

10.45am - Finally we hit the Farmers' Fields and open countryside. We didn't break the fence ! Tameside Hospital New Macmillan Unit - Art Project Research Walk. Image: Christopher Tipping — 10.45am – Finally we hit the farmer’s fields and open countryside. We didn’t break the fence ! The farmer was muck-spreading – the air was very ripe ! Tameside Hospital New Macmillan Unit – Art Project Research Walk. Image: Christopher Tipping

Farm, Horses, Chickens - Tameside Hospital New Macmillan Unit - Art Project Research Walk. Image: Christopher Tipping — White Farm, Horses, Ponies, Chickens – Tameside Hospital New Macmillan Unit – Art Project Research Walk. Image: Christopher Tipping

Colour ! - Tameside Hospital New Macmillan Unit - Art Project Research Walk. Image: Christopher Tipping — Colour ! – Tameside Hospital New Macmillan Unit – Art Project Research Walk. Image: Christopher Tipping

Colourful assemblage ! - Tameside Hospital New Macmillan Unit - Art Project Research Walk. Image: Christopher Tipping — Colourful assemblage ! – Tameside Hospital New Macmillan Unit – Art Project Research Walk. Image: Christopher Tipping

Blog, Healthcare Projects, Public Art, Public Realm, Tameside Macmillan Unit

12 Miles in 6 hours – Part Two – 10.52am to 2.13pm

March 12, 2016 Christopher Tipping 1 Comment

Saturday 27th February 2016

OK – so better get a move on – realised I have already shown loads of images in the space of one hour’s walking ! With 5 more hours to go I had better move quickly on ! –