BA Illustration students create permanent artworks for West Cornwall Hospital
22 July 2025
Final year Illustration BA(Hons) students were set a brief to create uplifting and therapeutic artwork for the new Outpatients Department at West Cornwall Hospital, Penzance, as part of the Royal Cornwall Hospital NHS Trust’s (RCHT) collaboration with Falmouth University.
The department opened in June, and last week students were invited to see their work installed in the department’s waiting areas and communal corridors ahead of its formal opening in September.
The collaborative project explored how art can have a therapeutic and calming effect, helping to ease patients’ minds as they wait for their appointment. The project has also enhanced the visual environment of the new building and improved the overall experience for patients.
Students were encouraged to respond personally to themes such as Cornish folklore and mythology, local industry like fishing and mining, West Cornwall’s strong sense of community and the public’s affection for the hospital. Colour was used carefully to help create a calm atmosphere and students remained mindful of how patients might be feeling. A total of 21 pieces of art were chosen to be featured as part of the permanent exhibition, giving students the opportunity to showcase their illustrations while positively impacting those who need it.
Paul Sylvester, General Manager of West Cornwall Hospital, said: “We’re delighted to have partnered with Falmouth University. Our patients and staff have already told us how much they love to look at the illustrations which beautifully capture mythical scenes of West Cornwall. It’s a pleasure to showcase their talent.”
Take a closer look at some of the work on display and learn more about the students’ creative processes.
The Mermaid of Zennor - Ali Cooper
"My artwork pays homage to the legend of the Mermaid of Zennor, inspired by a visit to the ancient, oak-carved bench in St Senara’s Church. That experience sparked a series of linocut and watercolour illustrations. The raw, hand-crafted quality felt like the most authentic way to honour this local heritage and create something meaningful for the Penwith community. It was a joy to make, and I hope it brings moments of peace, comfort and healing to those who encounter it in the hospital setting.”
Reflecting on her time at Falmouth, Ali added: “Studying here has offered just the right balance of support and challenge, helping me to grow both personally and creatively. I leave with a deep sense of pride and accomplishment."
The Merry Maidens dance once more - Adam Grainger
“I paid homage to one of the county’s many gems – The Minack Theatre. I paired the backdrop of the outdoor stage with the iconic tale of the Merry Maiden stones, representing a surreal combination of Cornish landmarks.
“My intention throughout was to create a piece of artwork that provokes thought. Hospitals can be a daunting place for many of us, so to be able to create this art and have it displayed in a place where people may need a distraction made the experience wholly worthwhile.”
The Walk to St Michael's Mount - Hannah Jones
"I really enjoyed the process of creating my illustration for the West Cornwall Hospital. My piece is based on the view of St Michael's Mount from Marazion. I wanted the artwork to capture the beauty and peace that can be found in a local, recognisable place. The process of reduction lino printing led me to choose a limited colour palette which is bright yet not too overwhelming. Hopefully it can brighten the days of those who see it in the hospital!
"I've loved my time studying at Falmouth, both the place and the course itself have helped me grow my creativity and inspired my artistic process."
Montol Parade – Alexis Darbyshire
“Montol Parade shows the sense of community and joy that the midwinter festival brings to Penzance, with its unique guilds, guise beasts and the ‘Lake of Fire’ lantern parade. With this project I wanted to give something back to the community that has inspired me so much over the past three years and celebrate its folk revival. While studying at Falmouth my interest in folklore expanded into the fantastical creatures and traditions of Cornwall, which are reflected in this piece.”
The Giant of St Michael’s Mount - Pip Latham-Mollart
“My piece is a fantasy reimagining of the Mount based on the legends surrounding it that I grew up with. My family is from the Newlyn/Penzance area, so it was very special to be able to be a part of this project and create something for the community that highlighted all the wonderful landscape, folklore and culture of the area!”
The Minack Theatre - Fearghal Hainsworth
“The first image that came to mind of what I wanted to produce was that of the Minack Theatre. I'd been there once before, and it had given me a feeling of openness, like it could be a view out the window. It has a combination of land, sea and sky in near-equal proportion, a great sense of freedom, but also mystery and story; that's where stories get acted out, and the unique outdoor stage makes you wonder what's happening there when no-one's around. Add to this that it's an icon for the area, I thought as an image it could do something similar for a patient as what looking out the window had done for me when I had been hospitalised.”
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