Sculptor creates ‘ultimate symbol of hope’ for RUH
A special sculpture is being created for a local hospital, and the creative process is ready to view now online.
British wildlife sculptor Hamish Mackie has shared a glimpse into his workshop, where he is busy on a commission for the new Dyson Cancer Centre at the Royal United Hospital.
The Dyson centre will provide a cancer services hub for half a million people in the South West and is on track to open in autumn 2023.
The sculpture, which is entitled Swifts and represents a pair of swifts in flight, will form part of the inpatient courtyard in the new centre.
“Swifts have a well-deserved reputation for being aeronautical masters of speed and precision flying,” said Hamish.
“They even sleep and mate on the wing, remaining in the air for many months at a time.
“They have long scythe-shaped wings and a forked tail.
“With this sculpture I wanted to convey a sense of freedom, of thermals and high-speed flight paths.
“The understanding of their long journey to Britain every year and the happiness seeing them evokes makes them the ultimate symbol of hope. They are the perfect bird to sculpt for the new Dyson Cancer Centre at the RUH.”
The use of natural light, external spaces, greenery and artwork are all known to have a positive effect on healing and overall patient experience and have been incorporated into the design of the centre, based around a land, water and sky theme.
A video, filmed in Hamish’s studio in Oxfordshire, shows the internationally renowned sculptor creating the work. Go to: