Bury College students brighten Bury Hospice with vibrant new mural

Our talented art students have transformed a corridor at Bury Hospice with a vibrant, collaborative mural that celebrates local identity, nature, and the power of community spirit.

The mural, which is on the first-floor corridor of the hospice, is the result of a live project undertaken by students on our Foundation Diploma in Art and Design. Following previous successful collaborations with Bury Hospice, our students were tasked with designing and producing a piece that would reflect both the values of the hospice and the wider Bury community.

A collaborative effort: Bringing the mural to life

Thirteen students submitted original designs, with one being selected as the final concept. This was then painted by the students collectively, showcasing their collaborative spirit and artistic dedication.

“This mural, created at Bury Hospice, showcases the collaborative spirit and creative talent of the students from the Bury College Foundation Diploma in Art and Design,” said Sandrine Pilling, Lecturer in Textiles and Art at Bury College.

“Each student contributed a unique piece of artwork, which was thoughtfully reviewed by the hospice as part of a live project. The selected pieces were then beautifully painted on a wall on the first floor, complementing the mural crafted by a foundation student in 2023. Together, these artworks not only enhance the hospice’s environment but also provide a source of joy and inspiration for patients and visitors alike.”

The design: A tribute to the local community

The mural features six hydrangeas, each painted in one of the Hospice’s signature colours, symbolising the six towns of the Bury borough - Bury, Ramsbottom, Tottington, Radcliffe, Whitefield, and Prestwich. Three iconic Manchester Bees have also been included, to represent unity and resilience across Greater Manchester. The artwork pays tribute to the Hospice’s cherished Japanese Garden, creating a thoughtful and visually rich tribute to both local culture and tranquillity.

Reflecting on the creative process

Our students shared enjoyed being involved in the project and felt that they benefitted from the creative journey and the teamwork involved.

Kamile Monkeviciute, a Level 3 Art student, shared insight into the creative process:

“Everyone had their own bit of the mural to paint, and I worked one on of the flowers. Drawing the outlines, and other parts of the painting took a long time, so we really had to perfect it.”

The project also served as a valuable learning opportunity in teamwork and leadership.

“I learnt a lot about working as part of a group on a project like this,” said Aria Evans, also a Level 3 Art student.

“I tried to take a bit of a leadership role, and all of us worked really well together. Working with Bury Hospice has been a really rewarding experience, and it’s nice to know people will appreciate what we’ve created, and people will see it every day.”

Warm reception from the hospice community

The mural has been warmly received by the Hospice community. Stuart Richardson, CEO of Bury Hospice had this to say about the project:

“Patients, staff, and visitors here at Bury Hospice have been treated to a vibrant new mural, lovingly painted by talented students from Bury College. The mural is a wonderful testament to the creativity and generosity of Bury College students. Their artwork has truly transformed this space, making it brighter and more uplifting for our patients, their loved ones, and our staff. We are incredibly grateful for their efforts and the thought they put into designing something that reflects the Hospice and the local community.”