On Monday (24 May), new artwork was unveiled in Glan Clwyd Hospital as Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (BCUHB) begins a rollout across its sites to celebrate the contributions of frontline NHS staff since the start of the pandemic.
Over recent months, renowned Welsh artist, Nathan Wyburn, has captured the faces of over a thousand NHS staff members in striking and powerful collages as part of the ‘Thank You BCUHB’ project funded by the North Wales NHS Charity, Awyr Las, and The Arts Council for Wales.
Nathan is famed for using non-traditional methods to create unique artwork, and some of his best known works include celebrity portraits working with Marmite on toast.
However, his medium this time was not Marmite but more than 1,000 selfie images of faces of BCUHB nurses, volunteers, and other frontline staff. The collection of collages which are now displayed in BCUHB hospitals, were created with the aim of serving as a historical reminder of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Speaking at the unveiling on Monday, Jo Whitehead, BCUHB Chief Executive said:
“A picture says a thousand words as the saying goes; and these collages tell the story of more than a thousand of the healthcare heroes across North Wales who have helped deliver the best possible care for patients throughout the pandemic.
“This project was an opportunity for us to acknowledge the massive contribution and courage that our staff and volunteers have shown during these challenging times. By having these on display in our hospitals, we hope they’ll give everyone a much needed morale boost.”
At a first glance each of the ten images he has created appear to be the face of an NHS Wales worker or volunteer made up of small mosaic tiles. On closer look, it becomes apparent that each small tile is a unique selfie image of different members of the Health Board’s staff and volunteer teams.
The faces work together to make one larger intricate collage, reflecting perfectly the way staff work together on wards and clinics within the health board.
Nathan Wyburn, originally from Ebbw Vale, said:
“It’s been an honour to create these collages for the staff and patients of Betsi Cadwaladr Health Board. Celebrating the excellence and everyday heroism of every single individual face involved – and of course those who are not.
“Each image highlights a different service or area within the health sector, but the solidarity is clear in the work. I’ve made many pieces of work to boost moral through the pandemic and this challenging time has surprisingly made me feel more creative then ever, motivated to help others through my art.
“It’s been a strange time for us all but art has the power to lift someone’s spirits. An artist should reflect the times and that’s what I aim to do.”
Not shy
There was an overwhelming response to the appeal for selfies from staff, with the project deemed a much needed morale booster during such a difficult time. Of the 17,000 staff members across BCUHB well over a 1,000 contributed photos.
The project was managed by the BCUHB Arts in Health and Wellbeing Programme, Creative Well. Ms Andrea Davies, BCUHB Arts in Health and Wellbeing Programme Coordinator commented:
“We are thrilled to have commissioned Nathan Wyburn for this artwork series. These pieces of art are not only of cultural and historical importance, but also contribute to staff wellbeing for those who were excited to be involved.
“The 10 collages portray the many different personalities committed to working together through such challenging social, professional and personal times. They convey a positive professional image for staff, volunteers, patients, and visitors and will enhance the healthcare environment and support wayfinding.
“From a Health Board perspective, this is just one way for us to acknowledge our staff and demonstrate thanks for all they have done over the past year.”
A set of each of the 10 collages will be seen at Ysbyty Gwynedd, Ysbyty Glan Clwyd and Ysbyty Wrexham Maelor, and prints will be placed on display in community hospitals across the region.
