Patients, staff and visitors have all contributed to tapestry
A unique tapestry exhibition involving patients and medics has been launched at the Royal Alexandra Hospital (RAH) in Paisley.
The exhibition showcases a collection of handcrafted tapestries created by patients, staff, volunteers and members of the public to reflect their personal stories and experiences.
But it is a living exhibition and Buddies are now being invited to stitch their own stories to be added to the works as part of a programme of workshops this spring.
Organised in partnership with Renfrewshire Tapestry Group, the exhibition is an opportunity for members of the community and patients and to take their mind away from the hospital setting while promoting health and well-being through the arts.
The stitching workshops are being led by NHS24 nurse Paula Reynolds, who outlined how important a role the arts can have in promoting good health in people.
“This exhibition will help patients in the hospital and will provide an alternative environment away from the ward settings,” she said.
“I am hosting a number of drop-in tapestry sessions over the coming weeks as part of the exhibition and I would encourage both patients and members of the public to get involved.
“Embroidery can be very therapeutic and can play a big role in positive health and wellbeing, as can all art.”
Paula added: “It is fantastic to see the examples of great tapestry work at the exhibition and a lot of credit has to be given to the Renfrewshire Tapestry Group for the work that they do.
“If you would like to get involved in tapestry, or who would like to see the exhibition, please come along to one of our drop in sessions.
“All materials will be free with assistance provided to help you start your tapestry journey.”
The exhibition and workshops - funded by the NHS Endowments Fund - are being hosted in the canteen area of the RAH.
Those attending will be inspired by the works already done and on display, ranging from beautiful contributions that reflect significant moments in people’s lives, such as baby loss, to pieces reflecting people’s identity.
Many of the images have been stitched inside a wider frame of a Paisley pattern teardrop.
MBE and lead artist Andrew Crummy, from the Renfrewshire Tapestry Group, spent a day at the exhibition last week to ahead of World Community Arts Day.
Andrew - who has dedicated this life to bringing the joy of art to people from all walks of life - created the global movement in a bid to reduce inequality through community engagement and participation in the arts.
Jackie Sands, senior arts and health improvement lead for NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, said: “It was fantastic to welcome Andrew to the tapestry exhibition at the RAH.
“It really does highlight the role community art, artists and creativity plays in supporting health and well-being and we were delighted Andrew could come along.
“I would like to extend my thanks to Paula, who has volunteered her time for the drop-in sessions while balancing a job as an NHS24 nurse.
“The Renfrewshire Tapestry Group has also played a colossal role in the exhibition and I cannot thank them enough for their dedicated time.”
The tapestry exhibition will be on display until the end of April, with drop-in sessions running almost every week until Thursday, April 13.