https://www.gosh.nhs.uk/press-releases/gosh-artist-residence-launches-pioneering-artwork-created-partnership-patients-and-their-families/

GOSH artist in residence launches pioneering artwork created in partnership with patients and their families

4 Mar 2016, 5:19 p.m.

GOSH and GO Create! Under the Microscope exhibition. Patient bed in the isolation tent.

Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) has unveiled a new art project by the celebrated artist Sofie Layton, who has worked closely with young people living with cardiac conditions and undergoing gene therapy to create the works.

As GOSH’s artist in residence, Sofie worked with patients and staff for the last 12 months as part of a unique approach to help families come to terms with congenital heart disorders and explore the experience of a patient being treated in isolation. The project, Under the Microscope, was created as part of GO Create!, the hospital’s arts programme which is funded by Great Ormond Street Hospital Children's Charity.

Under the Microscope explores how children interpret medical information and understand disease. Working in partnership with patients, their families, clinicians and researchers at GOSH, Sofie has created an emotive art series using a range of applied techniques, from 3D-printed medical hearts to embroidered textile panels and sculptures. An audio soundscape featuring the voices of a patient and his mum talking about his heart transplant also features as part of the exhibition. Alongside the cardiac exhibition, there is a sensory installation which looks at the immune system and the experiences of a young patient undergoing gene therapy. A selection from the artwork is now on display in the hospital’s main reception. Tours of the Gallery and the sensory installation can be arranged via GO Create!

Artist Sofie Layton said: “Being the artist in residence at GOSH for the past year has been an incredible privilege. The generosity and creativity of parents, patients, scientific and medical staff has allowed me to begin to make the invisible world of disease both visible and tangible. Medical and artistic approaches may seem worlds apart, but I hope I’ve found a balance that will enable patients, families and visitors to GOSH to reflect on the complexity of illness.”

At the official opening of the exhibition, Dr Peter Steer, GOSH Chief Executive said: “There is increasing evidence to show that art makes a huge difference in healthcare – not just to the environment, but to patients’ well-being and, ultimately, to helping them get better faster. This genuine collaboration between an artist, patients, their families and clinicians has resulted in something extraordinary and very beautiful.”

Under the Microscope forms part of the GO Create! arts programme from Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity, which makes a vital contribution to the healing environment and hospital experience. The arts programme aims to create relaxing, engaging and child-friendly surroundings and supports creativity through commissioned artworks, creative residencies, workshops and exhibitions.

To book a tour of the Gallery and sensory installation which are open email: gocreate@gosh.nhs.uk

Contact Information

For further information please contact Laura Carpenter in the GOSH-ICH Press Office at laura.carpenter@gosh.org or on 020 7239 3178.

For genuine and urgent out-of-hours queries call switchboard on 020 7405 9200.

Notes to Editors

Under the Microscope is an arts research project conceived and led by artist Sofie Layton, created in partnership with GO Create! and the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Biomedical Research Centre at Great Ormond Street Hospital.

The project was funded by the Wellcome Trust, the NIHR Biomedical Research Centre at Great Ormond Street Hospital, Great Ormond Street Hospital Children's Charity and the Blavatnik Family Foundation.

About Great Ormond Street Hospital and Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity

Great Ormond Street Hospital is one of the world’s leading children’s hospitals with the broadest range of dedicated children’s healthcare specialists under one roof in the UK. The hospital’s pioneering research and treatment gives hope to children from across the UK with the rarest, most complex and often life-threatening conditions. Our patients and families are central to everything we do – from the moment they come through the door and for as long as they need us.

Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity needs to raise money to support the hospital to give children who need help the most the best chance for life. The charity funds research into pioneering new treatments for children, provides the latest medical equipment and supports the essential redevelopment of the hospital. You can help us to provide world class care for our patients and families. For more information visit www.gosh.org

About Sofie Layton

Sofie Layton has worked as an artist and designer for 25 years. Her work includes large-scale site-specific performance, theatre and installations. At the heart of her work is an educational and participative narrative, which has been an integral element to much of the work that she has created. In the past, she has worked as artist in residence with Historic Royal Palaces.