Scottish Artist, Johanna Basford OBE, who is known for her hand-drawn intricate illustrations, is set to transform the Outpatients Unit at Royal Aberdeen Children’s hospital this summer by generously donating her time and imaginative design work in a collaborative project with The Archie Foundation.
The project is due to start in the next few weeks and will see the unit revitalised with the Aberdeenshire artist’s drawings. The illustrations won’t just be for decoration, they will also include interactive games, puzzles and QR codes for children to play with while waiting for appointments.
Johanna said: “I was delighted to have been asked by The Archie Foundation to create new artwork for the hospital. I've visited Royal Aberdeen Children’s Hospital with both of my girls, Evie and Mia, over the years and I'm so grateful to have such a wonderful hospital in our hometown. I can’t think of a project that has meant more to me - I’m really honoured.”
The outpatient department welcomes over 1,000 children and their families every month and The Archie Foundation provides all of the extras that allow an enhanced level of care for local children, such as providing emergency grants, specialist equipment, specialist staff and toys. As part of the project, Johanna and the charity are seeking feedback from the local community to ask what themes and colours they would like to see on the hospital walls.
Paula Cormack, Chief Executive Officer at The Archie Foundation said: “Having such a talented artist as Johanna on board with this project is so exciting. It is incredibly important to ensure our hospital environments are welcoming and engaging for children and their families. Attending hospital appointments can often be a cause of anxiety and we want to ensure we can distract from any discomfort and put smiles on faces.
“Johanna has lots of fantastic ideas and we thought it would be great to get the community who use our children’s hospital involved, and ask them what they would like to see there. We would love for parents, carers and staff to take part in our survey and for children to inspire us by downloading the colouring sheets on our website and sending them to The Archie Foundation at the Royal Aberdeen Children’s Hospital.”
The Archie Foundation provides support and services for babies, children and their families in Royal Aberdeen Children’s Hospital and Aberdeen Neonatal Unit, Highland Children’s Unit and Tayside Children’s Hospital. It also provides vital support for bereaved children and their families through Archie’s Child Bereavement Service.
Johanna added: “As a Mum, I know how important it is that spaces like hospital waiting areas and treatment rooms are welcoming, calm environments for both the little people and us grown-ups. But we also want them to be fun, to capture imaginations and spark a few smiles and conversations. I'm looking forward to creating beautiful backdrops, fun treasure hunts and even a few inky quests for these walls. This really is a project of a lifetime, and I can’t wait to get started.”
Take part in The Archie Foundation’s survey here.
Download Johanna’s colouring in pictures here - Have a say in Johanna Basford's designs for Royal Aberdeen Children's Hospital! - Archie