Date: 2018
Dimensions: 30m x 1.2m (2 areas
Materials: Laser cut Perspex
Techniques: Printed and impressed ceramics with coloured slips and glazes with decal images of maps of the area.
Commissioned by: The Arts Committee sponsored by WaterWipes
Location: Exterior balcony of the Children’s Ward, Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda
Architects: Wejchert Architects
Atop the exterior balcony of the Children’s ward in Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda, a vibrant installation captures the spirit of both the animal kingdom and the lush landscapes they inhabit. This imaginative artwork adorning the safety barriers of the balcony features an array of colourful animal silhouettes in laser cut Perspex, each piece playfully interacting with the space between the metal bars.
The exterior balconies of the Children’s Ward were in need of something to brighten up the facing wards as current health and safety policies meant that they were no longer used to access the outside. A zoo of escaped animals in laser cut Perspex, covers the caged walkways and bring some movement, colour and humour to brighten up the wards which face out this way. Monkeys, chameleons, birds, elephants, flamingos and bears in different poses are climbing, crawling, sleeping, staring and jumping around and hopefully reflect the moods of the children inside.
This project was kindly sponsored by local business WaterWipes.
I have worked with Diane on a variety of commissions for both Beaumont Hospital Dublin
and Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital Drogheda.The Drogheda Zoo was created for the children’s ward which is located on the fifth floor of
the hospital. Due to its use many years ago, as a play area for the children the balcony
features bars going up to ceiling level. There were many constraints put onto her as the
work had to allow light to still shine into the ward areas, it also could not have any great
weight. Diane decided to make use of coloured acrylic to create a series of fun colourful
animals which are popular with patients and the nursing staff who use them to engage with
and distract the young patients.- Daire O’Connell – Arts Coordinator
