The ‘Gift of Life’ by Stephen Lunn, 2019
The ‘Gift of Life’ sculpture is by award-winning local artist and blacksmith Stephen Lunn.
It is situated in the restaurant at the Northumbria Specialist Emergency Care Hospital in Cramlington.
The key aims of the artwork were to raise awareness of organ donation and remember the donors whose ‘gift of life’ has transformed the lives of others, providing a lasting memorial for their families. The artwork also needed to strike a delicate balance between raising awareness of this sensitive issue and offering an uplifting and positive distraction to those visiting the restaurant.
Due to the nature of the hospital, many of the patients treated there will be critically ill and as such, many of the visitors using the restaurant may be feeling anxious, worried and upset. Similarly, it can be a stressful environment for the staff, so it was important to provide an artwork that would be uplifting, aesthetically pleasing, reassuring and create interest.
Much consultation went into the planning of the artwork – involving the organ donor team/committee, healing arts committee, artist, and importantly, the bereaved families of the donors. The families shared their ideas and put forward five words to be incorporated – hope, chance, love, faith and cheer. There was also a group visit to Stephen’s forge in Northumberland to see the artwork in progress.
Using ironwork and traditional blacksmithing techniques, Stephen created a symbolic tree-like form reflective of the four seasons – beginning at the roots, incorporating growth, towards falling leaves and ending with birds flying away in the sky. He worked with local glass artist, Helen Grierson to highlight the words with fused glass and incorporated hidden lights which slowly change colour – bringing another dimension to the artwork.
This ambitious, large-scale sculpture presented exceptional challenges with regard to installation due to its size (5.2m x 3m) and proposed weight, however, these were gradually overcome thanks to the creativity and ingenuity of the artist and estates team (working outside their normal remit), along with the structural engineer.
An event was held for the families and staff to mark its official unveiling in December and nearly 100 people attended. This was featured on the local BBC News and local press – raising awareness of organ donation as the sculpture intended. Although an emotional occasion for many, the feedback from the families was overwhelmingly positive. In addition, there were many positive comments on social media from both the public and staff.
On entering the restaurant, the artwork has prime position, covering a 2-storey wall. With its striking design, detail and intricate ironwork there’s much to engage the viewer and its gentle changing colours provide a soothing backdrop. Information about the sculpture and organ donation is provided alongside.
