The vibrant artwork, created by South West artist Bex Glover in collaboration with clinic staff, stretches across the waiting area. It features a mix of local wildlife, such as seagulls and seals, alongside prehistoric creatures like a woolly mammoth and a sabre-toothed tiger, drawing inspiration from the English Riviera UNESCO Global Geopark.
Katrina Farmer, Head of Orthoptics and Optometry, explained the mural's purpose: “We wanted to create a space that helps put people at ease and gives children and families something to look at, explore and talk about while they wait.” She highlighted the artwork's celebration of the local environment and its hidden details for repeated discovery.
Bex Glover aimed for the mural to evoke curiosity and discovery, with elements that are both immediately obvious and more subtly hidden. The artwork was funded by a legacy donation to the Torbay and South Devon NHS Charity, intended to support ophthalmology services.
Becky Chown, Fundraising Manager for the NHS Charity, noted the donor's kindness in remembering the local NHS, stating, “Their gift has created something that will be enjoyed by children, young people and families for years to come.”
The project was a collaborative effort involving artist Helen Snell, the eye clinic team, the NHS Charity, Estates colleagues, and the English Riviera UNESCO Global Geopark. Melanie Border, Coordinator for the Geopark, expressed excitement about the growing relationship between the hospital and the Geopark, calling it a 'pioneering partnership' that exemplifies how healthcare, nature, and a sense of place can enhance wellbeing.
The unveiling coincides with an exhibition of Bex Glover's work in the hospital's HeArTs Gallery. This initiative is part of a broader programme by the Torbay and South Devon NHS Charity to integrate creativity into hospitals and community settings, celebrating local talent.
The 'Bay of Wonders' mural was officially unveiled on Thursday, 22 October, by the colleagues, partners, and supporters involved in its creation.
