The Life Giving Sunflower
Organ Donation Artwork at Midland Metropolitan Hospital
We’re excited to share our new artwork at the entrance of the Midland Metropolitan University Hospital in Birmingham. This 3-metre wide suspended sunflower sculpture captures both the beauty and symbolism of a sunflower in full bloom, a powerful metaphor for life and renewal through organ donation. The sculpture features 38 hand-made petals crafted from lightweight metal with a golden brass finish. This sunflower brings warmth and light into the hospital’s entrance, welcoming all who pass through.
Seeds of New Life
Suspended beneath the main body of the sculpture are seven illuminated seed-like luminaires, each representing a sunflower seed ready to fall. As these seeds "fall," they embody the concept of creating new life, echoing the ongoing legacy of those who choose to give through organ donation.
Messages of Kindness and Hope
High on the walls, you’ll see two messages:
“In summer the sunflower’s vivid flames greet the sun, while in autumn its abundant seeds hang heavy, ready to fall and gift a life for the season to follow.”
and “Organ donation is an act of great kindness that can save and offer continuing life to many people.”
Honouring Donors
A nearby plaque dedicates the piece to local organ donors and their families, recognising their generosity. It also provides information on how visitors can join the organ donor register.
A Tribute to the Gift of Life
This sunflower, with its bright, sun-facing petals, is a reminder of the kindness and hope that organ donation brings. Like a sunflower scattering its seeds, each act of donation helps create new possibilities for others, spreading life and connection throughout the community.
Acknowledgements and Gratitude
We’d like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the Organ Donor Committee for funding this artwork. Special thanks to Judith Martin, Lead Nurse – Organ Donation, who collaborated with us in choosing the sunflower as a fitting tribute to organ donation in Birmingham. Ten years ago, we created a smaller, temporary sunflower artwork at Sandwell General Hospital, with the new hospital already on the horizon. Today, we’re proud to see this permanent installation finally in place.
Thank you also to Kieran Donnelly, Clinical Lead for Organ Donation, Alison Morris, Specialist Requester, and Kerry Mills, Specialist Nurse for Organ Donation for their help on the project and who will continue their life-saving work at Midland Metropolitan University Hospital.
Feedback
“Collaboration and teamwork at its best has brought to life a concept that began a decade ago. The artwork is stunning and beautiful to see as you enter MMUH. I am so proud to have been part of this project but without the kindness and generosity of donors and their families, at a time of great sadness, countless lives would not have been saved. The words on the plaque summarise this perfectly:
‘Organ Donation is an act of great kindness that can save and offer continuing life to many people.’
Thank you to Hospital Art Studio and a special thank you to all donors and their families, not just at MMUH but everywhere, who provide hope for recipients.”
Judith Martin, Lead Nurse - Organ Donation and Transplantation
Read the Article about our process Below
