Today, the Duchess of Cambridge, Patron of Evelina London Children’s Hospital and Patron of the National Portrait Gallery, joined a creative workshop run by the National Portrait Gallery’s Hospital Programme at Evelina London to see how the creative arts can support children’s health, wellbeing and happiness.
Upon arrival, Duchess was presented with a posy by Anna-Victoria, nine, a patient here who has Achondroplasia. Duchess was welcomed by the staff and parents of the kids who are getting treatment at the hospital.
The National Portrait Gallery works in close collaboration with play specialists from Evelina London to take artists into the hospital to deliver workshops to children of all ages, along with their siblings and parents. Activities take place on the ward or in playrooms. The Duchess has been Patron of the National Portrait Gallery since 2012.
The Hospital Programme runs in three other children’s hospitals in London – Great Ormond Street Hospital, Newham University Hospital and the Royal London Hospital in Whitechapel, working with nursing staff, hospital teachers and specialists. Over the past 15 years, over 20,000 children (aged 0-18) have benefited from the creative workshops which include photography, animation, sculpture and textiles.
Evelina London, which is part of Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, of which the Queen is patron, provides comprehensive health services to children and families from before birth, throughout childhood and into adult life.
Evelina London also offers special services for children with rare and complex conditions from across south London, Kent, Surrey and Sussex and beyond. Duke and Duchess of Cambridge asked the wellwishers to send gifts and donations to Evelina London if they would like to at the birth of their third child Prince Louis in April 2018. Her Royal Highness became Patron of Evelina London in 2018.
The current project, entitled Playful Portraits, commenced in September 2017 and runs until 2020. The project delivers creative art workshops lead by a team of experienced artists, familiar with responding to the needs of young people in hospitals. Working in close collaboration with hospital staff including play therapists, nursing staff and hospital teachers ensures appropriate provision tailored to the needs of each individual setting.
Workshops offered to young people include photography, animation, sculpture, textiles, printing, collage, painting, craft and drawing activities. The programme gives children, young people and their families an opportunity to access the Gallery’s Collection of portraits and enjoy an associated activity whilst they are undergoing hospital treatment, either as day cases or on a longer-term basis. Activities take place in the ward, activity centres or by the bedside. Siblings and families also benefit as they are welcome to join in, bringing welcome relief to all from the challenges that a hospital stay can bring.
About today’s visit Marian Ridley the director of Evelina London said, “They were proud to host the visit, adding. Art is an invaluable therapy for children and young people while they are in hospital, not only to develop their creativity but, but provide enjoyment that alleviates anxieties which they may be feeling.”
During her visit, the Duchess joined young children receiving care at the hospital who participated in creative activities including illustration, photography and 3D set design. Catherine also heard more about the relationship between the NPG and Evelina London Children’s Hospital.
Lovely scenes at @EvelinaLondon as Kate is given two ‘rag wreaths’ by heart patient Luke Wheeler-Waddison, 10, and his sister, Savannah, 4. She said she would definitely put the pink one up in Charlotte’s room. Luke also took a fabulous picture of the duchess! pic.twitter.com/e32ZWdZ8dS
— Rebecca English (@RE_DailyMail) January 28, 2020
Rebecca English on twitter reported that Catherine was given two ‘rag wreaths’ by heart patient Luke Wheeler-Waddison, 10, and his sister, Savannah, 4 about which Duchess said she would definitely put the pink one up in Charlotte’s room.
Luke clicked a really beautiful shot of Duchess using a Polaroid-style instant camera. Duchess of Cambridge, a History of Arts graduate, herself is a really accomplished photographer and we just saw two of her portrait on Sunday. Catherine also told a parent that Prince Louis has tickly knees.
From Daily Mail’s report,
Who is this here? ‘ asked Kate, pointing to a picture of a Kallum Stuart, six, who is being treated for kidney failure, and was accompanied by his twin brother, Blake. ‘This is brilliant.’
She added: ‘What a treat it is for me to meet you all today. What a treat! I am so pleased. ‘ Kate then laughing responded to a ‘high-five’ from Kallum. Chatting with artist Jessica, the duchess remarked: ‘It’s wonderful to see what art therapy adds. To be able to paint, to draw, to be able to tell your story. ‘
Moving to her second table Kate met Luke and Savannah, who was dressed in a pretty floral Monsoon dress bought especially for the occasion.
She touched Luke’s arm and admired his ‘war wound’ – a large scar he has as result of breaking his arm last autumn after falling off some monkey bars and having to have plates and pins inserted in.
Luke said he didn’t feel nervous taking the duchess’s photograph with one of the cameras provided to the children for their art project and felt very proud of the end result – which was picture perfect.
‘I will take it home and keep it forever,’ he vowed.
Tracey Sturt, Kallum’s mother, said afterwards that it had been ‘such a pleasure’ to meet Kate, who had been ‘brilliant’ with the children.
Now to what Duchess Wore – The Duchess of Cambridge chose to bring old elements of her wardrobe back to design a new look.
Catherine was wearing her black Dolce & Gabbana Tweed Suit that she first wore at the Mental Health in Education Conference in February 2019. The bouclé tweed skirt suit feature a frayed detailing.
The double-breasted jacket features lapel collars with full-sleeved fitted silhouette having sapphire-esque buttons. The jacket is paired with a matching pleated above-the-knee skirt.
Duchess paired the look with her Gianvito Rossi Piper 85 suede pumps that she first wore in March 2019 for the first time when she visited Henry Fawcett Children’s Centre.
Catherine teamed up the outfit with her Mappin & Webb Empress Earrings and
Mappin & Webb Empress Diamond Pendant Necklace.
Next, we will see the Duchess of Cambridge at BAFTA on Sunday. This year BAFTA has asked guests to re-wear, rent or wear vintage, part of the academy’s plans for their first-ever carbon neutral awards ceremony. My bet is on Alexander McQueen Velvet Gown or Jenny Packham Duck Egg Blue Gown.
Dress like Duchess
