Artwork Spotlight: James Callison

The aim of our art and design programme has always centred around improving the patient experience in environments which are typically seen as anxiety and stress-inducing. Due to COVID-19, we have temporarily suspended aspects of our arts programme for the wellbeing of patients and staff. The artwork in our hospitals, however, remains and we hope that our existing interventions at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital and at West Middlesex University Hospital continue to promote healing and positivity for patients and staff during these unprecedented times.

James Callison | The British Seaside, 2014

James Callison was one of six students selected for the Photography Bursary in 2014, which supported the creation of photographic works for display in Chelsea and Westminster Hospital.

James studied at Bath Spa University, and created a series of works based around the traditional British seaside. He chose the theme of the British seaside because it allows nostalgia and reminiscence for patients and visitors. The works produce space for storytelling around shared experiences. He said of his inspiration:

“Having spent a lot of my childhood holidays at the British seaside, there are memories that stay with you in later life. Smells and sounds that instantly take you back to a time and place, whether it’s the smell of the fried donuts and candy floss or sitting on a bench eating fish and chips in the blistering wind, the sound of the seagulls or the crashing waves or even the bells on the trams in Blackpool”.

The photographic series was taken on location in Teignmouth, Dawlish Warren and Weston Super Mare.

This is a collection of five works which can be found in the dayrooms in Nell Gwyne Ward on the fourth floor of Chelsea and Westminster Hospital.

Click here for more information about our extensive hospital art collection.