The finishing strokes have now been applied to a major arts project stretching across two buildings at the Stirling Health and Care Village – the GP and Minor Injuries Centre and the Bellfield Centre.   Leigh Bagley, a contemporary textile and pattern designer has just completed a broad canvas including art walls, a suite of prints and additional 3D works, all with a focus on emotional health and wellbeing.

The first stage of the project involved the design and installation of nineteen new art walls and three large scale murals in the Bellfield Centre which provides short-term care, assessment or rehabilitation for older people who require additional support following an illness or operation. The high impact and decorative interiors evoke freshness, wellness and familiarity to the corridors, giving a sense of emotional comfort through colour. During the design process Leigh aimed to create environments that are both uplifting and soothing, which in turn aid in decreasing frustration and boredom in people with dementia.

For the second strand of the project, Leigh curated a contemporary collection of Limited Edition prints housed within the healthcare village buildings. These artworks compliment the aesthetic narrative of the mural and art wall spaces creating a visual dialogue as patients, staff and visitors navigate the interior. The artworks feature a variety of top artists and print designers including Scott Campbell, Diane Bresson, Rory Strudwick, Kitty McCall, Simon C Page, Ryan Hughes, Kevin Cleary, Hey Studio and many more.

A graduate of the renowned Royal College of Art in London, Leigh set up his textiles design studio in 2012 retailing as Limited Edition artwork. Of his work in the Health and Care Village he says:

“Through a highly contemporary approach I hope I have demonstrated how pattern, print and colour can be transformative and uplifting for both patients and visitors, challenging traditional approaches to art for public healthcare buildings. I directly take influence from everyday surroundings and a love of modernist and abstract aesthetics.”

Leigh is also a lecturer at the Glasgow School of Art, imparting his love of pattern and colour which enables him to share his knowledge for the benefit of future designers and makers.