Rainbow children's centre
NWLH Arts commissioned artist and local mum Lucy Algar to create a series of artworks in the Rainbow Children’s Centre.
Distraction from medical worries through appropriate visual stimulation is at the heart of the Rainbow Children’s Centre’s approach.
Lucy Algar’s design incorporates the emotional mapping of colour and light and children’s interest is engaged through light boxes, mobiles and neon works.
The artwork for the Rainbow Children’s centre is site-specific and includes local geographical and character references to the Brent and Ealing area. Lucy worked with patients, visitors and staff to encourage an identification and ownership of the work.
“The creation of the artwork for this was a very special installation for me as I am also a local mum who has had to bring my own kids in for treatment.
“I was very keen that the artwork was in place from the day the department opened. The staff in particular needed to feel that this was their space and that we had created a new colourful and vivid place for them. However, the images of the old building in the collages ensured that the old space was not quite forgotten.
“Different areas of the department require different artistic responses. The corridor's artwork brings swooping energetic shapes and colour. In the treament rooms I very much wanted light-based work to allow the possibility of a calming light source.”
– Artist, Lucy Algar, 2006