The Stirling Health and Care Village has recently seen the completion of a significant arts project spanning two buildings – the GP and Minor Injuries Centre and the Bellfield Centre. Led by Leigh Bagley, a contemporary textile and pattern designer, the project features a diverse array of artworks aimed at promoting emotional health and wellbeing.
Initially, the focus was on the Bellfield Centre, where nineteen new art walls and three large-scale murals were designed and installed. These additions, with their vibrant and decorative interiors, imbue the corridors with a sense of freshness, wellness, and familiarity. Specifically tailored to address the needs of older individuals requiring short-term care or rehabilitation, the design process aimed to alleviate frustration and boredom, particularly among those with dementia.
The project's second phase involved the curation of a contemporary collection of Limited Edition prints showcased throughout the healthcare village buildings. These prints, by acclaimed artists and designers such as Scott Campbell, Diane Bresson, and Rory Strudwick, complement the existing mural and art wall spaces, fostering a cohesive visual narrative that engages patients, staff, and visitors alike.
A graduate of the esteemed Royal College of Art in London, Leigh established his textiles design studio in 2012, specializing in Limited Edition artwork. Reflecting on his contributions to the Health and Care Village, Leigh emphasizes his commitment to utilizing pattern, print, and color in innovative ways to uplift and transform environments, challenging conventional approaches to art in public healthcare settings. Additionally, as a lecturer at the Glasgow School of Art, Leigh shares his passion for pattern and color with aspiring designers, ensuring his expertise continues to inspire future generations in the field.
Hospital should not be defined by having to look like a hospital. Hospital interiors should be bright uplighting taking elements from modern home environments and celebrating them within the hospital context.