Photographer Lily Bertrand-Webb was commissioned by CW+ to take photos of nature for ceiling-mounted light boxes in the newly relocated Adult Therapy Department at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital. In this video, Lily speaks about why she considered it her dream commission.
A personal connection to the hospital
Hi, my name is Lily Bertrand-Webb and I’m a photographer. It was lovely to be commissioned by this hospital because my sister was born here in 1994. There’s actually a picture of me sitting in my mum’s bed with my brand-new baby sister.
Growing up around hospitals
The other reason why I was overjoyed to be commissioned for the project was because I spend a lot of time in hospitals. I lost my hearing when I was two years old and I’ve got a cochlear implant, so growing up I’ve spent a lot of time in hospitals and a lot of time in waiting rooms. I have had two operations. I actually had my second operation here.
Remembering my own experience as a patient
I remember those days of being in hospital and there were some dark times. But the staff here were lovely and it’s such a beautiful building.
Bringing light and colour to patients
This idea of bringing so much more light and colour to the hospital, to give back to patients, I was like: ‘Yes. Perfect. Dream. I’d love to do that.’ I want to give other patients a chance to think and reflect, and look at something while they’re here.
What I hope patients take from the artwork
Whether they’re here for 20 minutes for an appointment, or whether they’re here for days or weeks, I hope it will give them time to reflect. I hope it will give them peace and calm, and a chance to daydream.
