Art at the Heart of the RUH

21/05/2026

Play & See prototype by Charlie Hooper Williams for the RUH Children’s Ward was launched at Bath Digital Festival this week. In partnership with Designabilityand funded by The Studio in Bath Innovation Fund Bath Spa Universitybathspauniversity. Our musician in residence Frankie Simpkins Vocalist will introduce this new creative tool for young patients, following a few more modifications, in June. RUH Bath Friends of the RUH London Arts and Health 🤩

21/05/2026

It’s Creativity & Wellbeing week 🩵🎶 London Arts and Health

Our brilliant Musician in Residence, Frankie Simpkins, regularly visits the Children’s Ward, NICU, OPU and several other areas around the RUH Bath, performing for patients, visitors and staff.

Yesterday, Frankie sang for a little boy on the Childrens ward who had previously heard her perform while he was a patient in NICU — a lovely moment of continuity, comfort and familiarity for both him and his family.

Thank you to NEW. Friends of the RUH for making this possible 🩵🎶

20/05/2026

It’s Creativity & Wellbeing week 🩵🎨London Arts and Health & it’s been wonderful to have artist Charlotte Stowell to deliver a Stitch in Time workshop morning for older patients RUH Bath 🩵

Thank you to RUHX Charity for funding this session for as these art workshops help bring patients together to , reminisce & create 🌿🎨

19/05/2026

It’s Creativity & Wellbeing week London Arts and Health 🩵🎶 Wonderful music this afternoon by Josh Doughty Live Music Now for patients, staff & visitors RUH Bath

Josh performs the Kora (African Harp) 🪉

Thank you to The Joyce Fletcher Charitable Trust RUHX Charity for funding our Soundbite lunchtime performance programme so that we can bring live music to public spaces & ward areas in the hospital 🩵🎶

19/05/2026

'30 Years of Bath Artists’ Studios - a collaborative exhibition with Art at the Heart of the RUH' is now on display in the Central Corridor (B4 - B8).

Celebrating three decades of artistic practice, Bath Artists’ Studios presents a special anniversary exhibition at the Royal United Hospital. For 30 years, the studios have supported a vibrant community of artists, makers, teachers and creatives, fostering experimentation, collaboration and public engagement in Bath.

This exhibition brings together work by studio holders, reflecting the diversity of practices at Bath Artists’ Studios, ranging from painting and sculpture to photography, textiles and mixed media.

Presented within the unique setting of the Royal United Hospital, the exhibition aims to offer moments of reflection and inspiration for patients, staff and visitors. It celebrates not only the achievements of the past 30 years, but also the ongoing role of art in supporting wellbeing and enhancing everyday environments through creativity.

Bath Artists’ Studios is a vital space for artistic development, and this exhibition marks an important milestone in its history.

All artwork is available for sale with one third paid to the RUH.

19/05/2026

'Where we are now' is now on display in the Central Corridor (B25).

The exhibition features the work of seven local artists: Julia Cobbold, Kate Davies, Beryl Desmond, Teresa Foster, Penny Ives, Christine McKenzie, and Carole Tong.

The very varied etchings, prints, and paintings, attempt to answer the question posed by the title, and reflect each individual artist's thoughts and ideas.

Christine McKenzie's vibrantly coloured prints take the viewer on a whistle-stop journey around some marvellous locations.

Kate Davies' engaging 'Bath Bunns' and friends, whisk us on a grand tour around the City of Bath and local countryside.

Julia Cobbold examines the beauty of her garden and individual plants as they grow and change with time, while Beryl Desmond's striking, expressive response to architecture and music, calls us to examine our own reactions to what we see and hear.

Carole Tong's atmospheric prints echo the mysterious landscape of Wiltshire, and Terersa Foster's work also refers to these same ancient places, comparing them to the seasonal changes she sees in her own garden.

Penny Ives shows us three small windows into her family history.

All artwork is available for sale with one third paid to the RUH.

18/05/2026

It’s Creativity & Wellbeing week London Arts and Health and we are excited for this new musical experience coming to RUH Bath Children’s ward very soon! 🎶

Showcasing ‘Play and See’ at Bath Digital Festival this week 🩵

‘Play and See’ An interactive piano experience designed for children in hospital developed by Charlie Hooper Williams in collaboration with partnered with Designability

Play & See Hospital Edition is supported by The Studio in Bath Innovation Fund Bath Spa University

14/05/2026

Our Eye Unit has had a makeover! 👀✨

The recent refurbishment has created a brighter, more welcoming and accessible space for patients and staff, thanks to the generosity of charity donations and partners.

New flooring throughout the department provides a seamless route for visually impaired patients, while improved lighting reduces glare and makes the clinic more comfortable for people with visual sensitivity.

Creating a family-friendly environment was an important focus for the project. A dedicated play area for children and comfortable seating aim to make visits less stressful for younger patients and their families.

New artwork by Sir George Po***ck has been added in the waiting areas and corridors, helping to bring a sense of calm throughout the unit. 💙

The refurbishment also included a redesigned reception area, refurbished toilets and updated seating to completely transform the department into a modern and welcoming space.

📸 Some of our generous supporters recently visited the department and were thanked by the Eye Unit team for their incredible contribution.

Thank you to NEW. Friends of the RUH and Time is Precious, whose support made this refurbishment possible. We would also like to give special thanks to the Po***ck family and Friends of the Eye Unit for their support, alongside Art at the Heart of the RUH and all partners involved.

13/05/2026

Yesterday we celebrated our wonderful nurses here RUH Bath for International Nurses Day 2026.

Participatory Artist Charlotte Stowell delivered a creative art workshop for nursing staff with two different activities to try - to make beautiful floral tea light holders out of fimo clay, and also painting, stencilling and printing on to wooden hares.

‘A peaceful way to decompress, loved it!’

‘Great idea for staff to try something new, network with each other and relieve stress. Well needed.’

Thank you to all RUH nursing staff that took part and gave feedback. Many thanks to RUHX Charity for supporting this event.

07/05/2026

Thank you NEW. Friends of the RUH ❤️🎶

One of the amazing things we're able to do at the Friends of the RUH is provide much-needed grants to the to support the experience when they come into hospital. One of the services we've been able to supported is to provide music to patients. Here we have Frankie, the RUH's musician in residence, bring joy and happiness to people through and .

If you want to know more about the Friends, what our grants have supported, make a or with the friends, please checkout our website :https://friendsoftheruh.org.uk/

29/04/2026

Thank you to Roland George Harrad Live Music Now for performing in RUH Bath Atrium yesterday afternoon and in two ward areas for patients, visitors & staff.

Thanks to The Joyce Fletcher Charitable Trust for supporting funding our Soundbite lunchtime performance programme RUHX Charity 🎶❤️