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Local artists will today (4 December) see their work go on display at Biddulph Primary Care Centre after winning a competition to find the town’s most talented artists.
The art competition was launched by One Creative Environments Ltd (One) – the design team behind the health centre – on behalf of local LIFTCo Prima 200. Commissioned by NHS North Staffordshire, the scheme was delivered by private sector partner Prime plc and public sector partner Community Health Partnerships.
Artists of all ages and abilities were asked to submit pieces of original artwork under the theme ‘seasons’. The theme itself works on two levels – it conjures up calming images of nature, which will help to put patients at ease when they visit the centre and also reflects how Biddulph itself is changing.
From over 200 entries, four winners were chosen by an arts committee of people from the local community, the NHS and Prima 200. Each received Intu Potteries gift cards – from £250 for first place, to £50 for fourth. Fifteen artists, whose work will also go on display at the centre, received commendation certificates and everyone who submitted an entry is named on a special ‘thank you’ wall.
Local schools were also invited to attend day visits to Gladstone Pottery and produce painted plates that followed the same theme. These are displayed in glass cabinets within the centre and will revolve around recent individual school visits
Winners
1st prize – Lesley Sherry, for her painting ‘Biddulph Old Hall in Summer’
2nd prize – Lydia Hall, for her collage of bottle kilns and spring flowers
3rd prize – Sarah Thorley, for her drawing of a squirrel collecting nuts for winter
4th prize – Martha Brough, for her mixed media piece ‘Biddulph Grange Summer Colours’
As well as the work of amateur artists, today’s ceremony will also mark the official unveiling of a specially commissioned piece created by Ruth Moilliet in collaboration with local artist Meenu Ranee.
Mark Martin, Director at One and Arts Co-ordinator for Prima 200, led on the organisation of the competition: “We had a fantastic response and some great pieces, which not only reflect the town’s character but also the area’s natural beauty.
“The four winning pieces, along with commendations will go up in the main waiting area as part of a montage of our favourite entries, opposite a signature piece from professional artists, which is also based on the seasons theme. We hope that the injection of local influence will give patients an interesting focal point when they arrive at the centre and help to put them at ease.”
Sarah Raper, Executive Director at Community Health Partnerships said: “The quality and creativity of the winning artwork is really impressive. Not only does it contribute to the distinctiveness of the building, it also adds to the welcoming feel of the centre and will be a positive distraction for patients and staff.”
Biddulph Primary Care Centre is a £10m landmark development, which brings together two local GP practices alongside other primary care resources to provide a much needed and improved healthcare service to over 21,000 patients. The four-storey building contributes positively to the town’s regeneration and gives local people a healthcare facility they can be proud of.
Photo caption (from left): John Robinson – Biddulph Town Crier, Lydia Hall (second place winner), Lesley Sherry (first place winner), Sarah Thorley (third place winner), Mark Martin (Director, One Creative Environments Ltd), Councillor Graham Swift – Mayor of Biddulph.