More than 200 artworks created by patients of Lewis-Manning Hospice Care have been put on display at the Lighthouse in Poole.

The exhibition, which will stay on display until 26th April, was officially opened by celebrated artist Mike Jefferies and his wife Pam, both of which are patrons of the hospice.

Other notable attendees included the newly instated High Sherriff of Dorset, Anthony Woodhouse, the Chairman of the Dorset Integrated Care Board, Jenni Douglas-Todd and hospice patron Jacqueline Swift.

The artworks have been made by patients with life-limiting illnesses at Lewis-Manning Hospice Care’s hubs across Poole and East Dorset. Creative Art is one of the services the charity provides to support patients’ wellbeing and mental health.

Hayley Bonner, Jenni Douglas-Todd, Clare Gallie

Hospice Creative Artists, Rachel and Karen encourage patients to take part in art activities such as drawing, painting, sculptures and even poetry.

They said: “We see incredible artwork produced but our main agenda is to support patients, giving them a sense of purpose, choice or control, at a time when they may feel they have lost these.

“Our recent work towards this art exhibition at the Lighthouse has generated a new energy into Day Hospice sessions with patients, who would previously have shied away from creating art, taking the plunge and joining in with the activities.

“For some patients their day at the hospice is their only day away from home. They find companionship and a distraction from their conditions, pain and other things going on in their lives.”

Mike Jeffries said: “I am really pleased to be able to support the charity and to see very good, interesting and original artworks. To be able to talk to creative artists, patients and staff has been fantastic.”

One patient, Rob, who had two pieces of his art displayed at the exhibition was diagnosed with a life-limiting illness in 2022 and now experiences Macular Degeneration and is gradually losing his eyesight.

One of his artworks on display was produced when he still had full sight.  The second has been produced with his much-impaired vision and is a duplicate of the original version.

Rob commented: “The support that I’ve received from the clinical team and the creative artists has been absolutely brilliant.  My artwork is a welcome outlet and helps to support my wellbeing at this difficult time in my life.

“The staff have given me the confidence to continue my creative endeavours, despite losing most of my vision, something that I very much enjoy. I feel very proud to have my artworks displayed as part of the exhibition.”

Clare Gallie, Chief Executive at Lewis-Manning said, “We are absolutely thrilled and delighted that our patients, with the support and help of our dedicated creative artists, have displayed over 200 amazing pieces of art at the Lighthouse.

“We would encourage the local community to come and view the art and would like to say huge thanks to our team of volunteers, staff, patients, and their families who have worked so hard painting, framing and hanging to create this wonderful exhibition.”

Long standing and loyal hospice supporters, Peter and Sarah Eales said, “We are thrilled to have purchased a painting which really caught our eye and look forward to displaying in our home.”

The exhibition is open from 5^th to 26^th April on the top floor of the Lighthouse, Poole. Artwork is available to buy with all proceeds going to the charity. To buy, simply visit the ticket office on the ground floor.

• https://lewis-manning.org.uk/

To get the best of Dorset Biz News straight to your inbox every week, sign up for our newsletter!