Hertfordshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust: Feature Wall Illustrations

Familiar scenes actively support engagement in wall murals by Hannah Broadway. Photo by Clint Randall

Artworks designed for dementia patients are stimulating memories, sparking conversations and helping patients find their way around Seward Lodge, a newly refurbished dementia assessment unit at Hertfordshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust.

The 13 different designs by artist Hannah Broadway were developed through creative art sessions with patients delivered by Willis Newson. The art activities enabled patients to be involved in the design process and prompted the naming of the project …“The Scribblers Go To Town”.

The sessions provoked discussions around colours, places and themes to be included in the designs, and artwork created by service users has also been collaged into the final murals. Scenes depicting familiar local landmarks, along with images of favourite pastimes, have been actively supporting engagement.

“Willis Newson led the process, involving staff and working with service users. The results are bold and bright and include textures and details created by the service users. They are already stimulating memories and conversations,” said Lisa Wellings, Commissioning & Project Manager, Hertfordshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust.

The designs, which include a series of large floor-to-ceiling murals and smaller details around the unit, create a positive and caring environment by providing markers to help patients find their way. They also aid reminiscence by incorporating real places into the illustrations, and avoid confusion for patients by using a non-realistic style.

familiar scenes actively support engagement in wall murals by Hannah Broadway. Photo Clint Randall

“When I first saw the artworks they brought a smile to my face. They really make an impact, giving a welcoming character to the centre and providing landmarks to help navigate the corridors.”

Lisa Wellings
Commissioning & Project Manager, Hertfordshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust