The Life Giving Sunflower - Our 10 Year Journey

Ten years ago, Tony and Karen van de Bospoort of Hospital Art Studio collaborated with Judith Martin, then a Specialist Nurse for Organ Donation at Sandwell Hospital in Birmingham, to create a temporary sunflower artwork. The sunflower was chosen as a symbol of renewal and hope, a meaningful tribute to the gift of organ donation. With plans already in motion for the new Midland Metropolitan Hospital, Judith envisioned a larger, permanent installation to carry this message forward.

From Concept to Design

Years later, Judith reconnected with us to discuss bringing this vision to life. From there, we explored multiple design concepts, producing numerous drawings and 3D renders for each. Harry van de Bospoort led this creative process, creating the final design and all 3D renders. Each iteration brought new ideas, refinements, and options to consider as we experimented with different shapes, compositions, and lighting techniques, carefully weighing each option to find the right balance.

This process was thorough and iterative, ensuring that every detail was agreed upon and that all parties involved were completely happy with the final design. This dedication to fine-tuning each aspect of the sunflower ensured that the sculpture would not only be visually striking but would also carry the intended symbolism of life and renewal through organ donation.

Fine-Tuning the Details with Architects

As the new hospital was built, we were fortunate to work closely with Cagni Williams, the architectural firm overseeing the entrance area. Together, we fine-tuned details such as the ideal hanging height, the placement of the accompanying plaque and wall text, and how the sculpture would integrate with the lighting in the space. Laura Carrara Cagni, Director of Cagni Williams, noted:

“It was a wonderful design collaboration. We feel the artwork integrates beautifully and complements the space, which was our shared goal from the beginning.”

Collaborating with Skilled Craftsmen

From there, we partnered with David Shackleton of ImageCo Limited and Matty Bullough of Three D Visions to delve into the specifics of fabrication and installation. Matty provided detailed CAD drawings down to every nut and bolt, along with structural calculations for wind load and potential pressure, guaranteeing that the sculpture would be fully compliant with health and safety standards for this high-traffic hospital entrance. David coordinated with skilled metalworkers and an electrician to bring the design to life, making necessary adjustments along the way to ensure easy maintenance and long-term durability.

Installation Process

Before installation, Richard Molloy, the Construction Project Director for the new hospital, arranged several site visits with us to assess the space and discuss the specifics. During these visits, he coordinated the removal of lighting fixtures that were initially planned for the area where the sunflower would be placed. Richard arranged for his team to drill an aperture in the ceiling tiles, fit our custom-made fixing plate, and ensure a power connection was in place with a hatch by the sculpture.

John Simpson of Onsite Print Installations Limited also carried out a recce within ImageCo's studio, where the team fitted all the petals and then removed them again to figure out the optimal method for installation. This process was crucial for determining how best to access the fixing points to securely bolt the petals into place. We knew the installation would be tricky, requiring one person inside the sunflower and another outside to ensure the petals were fixed properly.

The installation was completed over two days in the summer, just before the hospital’s opening. First, we mounted the lettering and installed the plaque. Then, the sunflower structure was carefully lifted into place, with the electrical line discreetly routed through the ceiling. Once suspended, each of the 38 brass-finish petals was secured, followed by the light panel with its Fibonacci pattern and the bespoke “sunflower seed” luminaires.

A Tribute to Generosity and Life

“This collaborative journey, supported by the Organ Donor Committee, reflects the spirit of community and generosity at the heart of this project. We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone involved, and most importantly, to Birmingham’s organ donors and their families. This artwork is dedicated to honouring their selfless gift of life and spreading awareness within the community.”

 Harry van de Bospoort – Director, Hospital Art Studio.

See the finished artwork here