Visitors to Treetops annual Vintage Fair on Sunday 25 September will be able to view a unique piece of art created by hospice guests in the style of London’s ‘Blood Swept Lands’.
The artwork consists of over 200 flowers made from recycled plastic bottles which more than 50 day care guests have hand-painted over the last few months.
Treetops Hospice Care, based in Risley, provides nursing care and emotional support for adults in Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire including a Day Care unit.
Different arts and crafts activities are always available in Day Care for those who want to participate, explained creative arts support worker Leah Blundell:
“We have a regular programme of activities and entertainment here at the hospice and many, many guests have helped create this amazing display. It’s incredibly beautiful and I really hope everyone who comes to the fair will take time to view it.
“I was really inspired by the ceramic poppies on display at the Tower of London back in 2014 – ‘Blood Swept Lands and Seas of Red’ – that commemorated World War I and the servicemen killed during this time.
“When we started making our own flowers, I realized that if we made enough we could have our own installation here. It’s given guests a unique way to remember loved ones and leave a real legacy for others to enjoy for many years to come. After the fair the installation will remain in the hospice gardens for others to enjoy.”
Visitors to the vintage fair will be able to receive one of the flowers for a donation to Treetops or paint a flower in memory of a loved one to add to the installation.
The vintage fair also features live music, classic cars, fairground rides, a vintage-themed tipi and a variety of food, drink and stalls. It runs from 10am to 4pm at the hospice on Derby Road. Entry is £3 (under 12yrs free).
‘Blood Swept Lands and Seas of Red’ was a work of installation art placed in the moat of the Tower of London, which consisted of a sea of ceramic red poppies, the majority of which were individually hand-made at Cummins’ ceramics works in Derbyshire. The poppies were added to the installation progressively by volunteers.
