Pete Moorhouse has worked over the past year re-designing and renovating the courtyard in Cotswold Clinic,Southmead Hospital. The previous courtyard was in desperate need of a makeover being unsafe and in a state of disrepair. The new landscaping was designed by Pete Moorhouse and groundworks were carried out by Secret Garden.
Pete involved several schools in the project to create artworks for the new courtyard. He worked with over 150 pupils, by providing workshops to gather designs for the various artworks. The schools involved were Ashley Down Primary School, Colstons Girls School, Hanham High School,Filton Avenue Nursery School and Children’s Centre and Orchard School.
Taking inspiration from the wonderful mature Yucca tree we decided to create a courtyard loosely based on a Moroccan riad. We took inspiration from Islamic geometric art and features typically found in a riad courtyard, typically a water feature and four fruit trees.
The idea was to create a space that was relaxing and visually stimulating, that could provide waiting space for patients and a place for staff to take breaks in. I very much believe the environment can have a significant impact on our well being and I was very keen to create a space that would be uplifting and relaxing for patients. I was keen that there be a variety of different artworks – hopefully something for everyone to enjoy. I wanted to create a space that would transport us to another place, transcending the everyday, a distraction from pressing concerns and worries – even if only for a moment. It was wonderful to involve pupils in the project giving them an opportunity to contribute in meaningful way. I was very impressing by their design ideas and also by their sensitivity and concern to make the artworks calm, elevating and engaging for patients.
With five schools involved – there were many wonderful designs that we weren’t able to realise and I would like to thank all the pupils involved for their wonderful contributions.
Pete Moorhouse is a professional sculptor and artist educator. He exhibits work nationally and has work in several collections both in the UK and overseas. He has previously created work for NBT creating a landmark sculpture for Frenchay Hospital and worked with children to create a wooden wall panel for Southmead Hospital. Pete is currently exhibiting several sculptures at Berwick Lodge in Bristol and is working on several commissions including a sculpture for Brandon Hill Park, Bristol.