Photos by UWE Bristol students mark 10 years of the Brunel building

Thursday, May 9, 2024

A collection of stunning images of staff have been captured by student photographers for an exhibition to mark 10 years since Southmead Hospital’s Brunel building opened.

Photography students from UWE Bristol spent time in the hospital taking pictures of North Bristol NHS Trust (NBT) staff at work for the exhibition, which was displayed in the building’s atrium.

Staff and services moved into the purpose-built Brunel building for a few weeks in May 2014, and millions of patients and visitors have passed through its doors over the past 10 years.

Photography students Kian Swainston, Carla Mabb and Darcy Sanchez-Mota Joao were involved in the project, photographing hospital staff from different areas in the building.

They captured staff from a variety of departments, including doctors, nurses, surgeons, therapists, housekeepers and catering staff, in various parts of the building, including backstage areas that the public don’t usually see.

They included staff who were involved in the design of the Brunel building before it opened in May 2014 and one of the hospital’s youngest volunteers.

The project was part of NBT’s commitment to being an anchor in the community.

A selection of the photographs are now on display in the Sanctuary Gallery in Brunel’s main atrium, next to the piano.

Kian said: “Photographing the staff for the 10th anniversary of the Brunel building was a great experience. I am grateful for the opportunity given by UWE and the hospital to be part of this occasion. This was a new experience for me, different from my wedding photography work.

“It’s really rewarding and nice to see the photos on display in the exhibition space. It brings a sense of fulfillment and pride to see our work displayed in a physical space where it can be appreciated by others in person.”

Carla said:Working with Southmead Hospital to celebrate the 10 year anniversary of the Brunel building has been one of the most rewarding. It was so lovely to see all the staff working so hard, always with a smile on their face.

“We are honored to have our work on display and excited to see everyone’s positive reactions to it. We hope this reflects our appreciation for the trust and for everyone who helps lead the community.”

Darcy added: “I hope these images inspire people to see the community within Southmead Hospital. It was great to have the pleasure of being part of such a project.”

Maria Kane, chief executive of NBT, said: “We are proud to have strong links with our universities and local communities and were delighted to offer these students the opportunity to come behind the scenes at our hospital and capture these wonderful images of staff our.

“I hope that patients, staff and visitors will enjoy taking a look at the exhibition when they are in Brunel and will agree that it is a fitting way to mark 10 years since the opening of this fantastic building.”

Professor Sir Steve West, Vice-Chancellor of UWE Bristol, said: “We are delighted to have been involved in creating this wonderful exhibition. The partnership between UWE Bristol and NBT has created positive opportunities for our students to gain real-world experience of delivering work for a client whilst supporting an important community-based initiative. Our talented artists hope patients, carers, visitors and staff will engage and enjoy the work.”

The photographic exhibition will be on display throughout May as the NBT marks Brunel’s 10th anniversary.

NBT will be sharing staff and patient experiences of Brunel throughout the month to mark the anniversary. You can share yours via email [email protected] tag @NorthBristolNHS in a post on X or Instagram using the hashtag #Brunel10 or share a comment on our website Facebook page.