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
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
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.
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 Architectssupported by KKE Architectsdelivering 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.
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 Bankand 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 TippingTameside 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 TippingA sign of things to come – very wet, very muddy ! Tameside Hospital New Macmillan Unit – Art Project Research Walk. Image: Christopher TippingPassing Farm Buildings – Tameside Hospital New Macmillan Unit – Art Project Research Walk. Image: Christopher TippingLandmarks and details. Tameside Hospital New Macmillan Unit – Art Project Research Walk. Image: Christopher TippingInto a wooded Dell – Tameside Hospital New Macmillan Unit – Art Project Research Walk. Image: Christopher TippingSigns of Spring – Tameside Hospital New Macmillan Unit – Art Project Research Walk. Image: Christopher TippingA landmark tree – Tameside Hospital New Macmillan Unit – Art Project Research Walk. Image: Christopher TippingFootpath Footpath ! – Tameside Hospital New Macmillan Unit – Art Project Research Walk. Image: Christopher TippingLast year’s grasses – Tameside Hospital New Macmillan Unit – Art Project Research Walk. Image: Christopher TippingMarsh and flood – Tameside Hospital New Macmillan Unit – Art Project Research Walk. Image: Christopher TippingMolehills – Tameside Hospital New Macmillan Unit – Art Project Research Walk. Image: Christopher TippingTameside Hospital New Macmillan Unit – Art Project Research Walk. Image: Christopher TippingOver the golf Course – Tameside Hospital New Macmillan Unit – Art Project Research Walk. Image: Christopher TippingTameside Hospital New Macmillan Unit – Art Project Research Walk. Image: Christopher Tipping10.30am – Stalybridge Celtic Football Ground – Tameside Hospital New Macmillan Unit – Art Project Research Walk. Image: Christopher Tipping10.31am – Down the narrow path by Inglewood Coach House – Tameside Hospital New Macmillan Unit – Art Project Research Walk. Image: Christopher Tipping10.32am – Tameside Hospital New Macmillan Unit – Art Project Research Walk. Image: Christopher Tipping10.33am – It’s like we are in someone’s garden ! Tameside Hospital New Macmillan Unit – Art Project Research Walk. Image: Christopher TippingAshes 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 Tipping10.45am – 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 TippingWhite Farm, Horses, Ponies, Chickens – Tameside Hospital New Macmillan Unit – Art Project Research Walk. Image: Christopher TippingColour ! – Tameside Hospital New Macmillan Unit – Art Project Research Walk. Image: Christopher TippingColourful assemblage ! – Tameside Hospital New Macmillan Unit – Art Project Research Walk. Image: Christopher Tipping
