Wolverhampton hospital murals become Tik Tok sensation
The artwork has been viewed almost 600,000 times on Tik Tok.
Last updated 15th Apr 2024
A series of murals painted at Wolverhampton's New Cross Hospital to welcome young patients have become a Tik Tok sensation.
The magical underwater sea world, plus a display of unicorns and dinosaurs, were painted as part of a ÂŁ15,000 transformation to the children's ward.
Artists Daniel Russell-Ahern and Simon Greenaway, aka Mural Trader, created the artwork to make the space more inviting for young people attending the ward.
So far, the duo's creations have attracted nearly 600,000 views between them on Mural Trader’s social media channel.
Daniel, 32, from Sutton Coldfield, and Simon, 32, from Wednesfield, took eight days between them to transform the areas, paid for by the RWT Charity.
Sarah Lewis, Matron, Children’s Specialities and Outpatients at RWT, said: “When I started in post, I felt the areas needed to be more child-friendly.
“I’d seen the artwork at Birmingham Children's Hospital and contacted Daniel.
“As this is one of the first areas children and young people and their families see, I felt having artwork would help reduce anxiety and be a nice start to patients’ journey with us.
“We did a piece of work with posters and a social media post asked children, young people, their families and staff to vote for their two top themes.
“Daniel has worked through the night to complete it. His designs stood out over the others – the work is amazing.”
“We’re really proud of the work,” said Daniel, who has been painting murals for five years and is dad to daughters Blake, who is nearly three, and 18-month-old Robyn.
“The brief was to create an underwater, calming space that was enjoyable to be in but we could also be a bit playful so we’ve got an octopus pushing the lift button.
“It’s totally changed the space. We normally do bars and business spaces but it doesn’t give you the same reward as hospitals because the places never really sleep.
“Even when you’re painting at 2am or 3am, there’s always people engaging with you, and that makes it more special.”
Similar artwork will be completed in the adolescent waiting area in Children’s Outpatients and the Phlebotomy Room to offer distraction and help create a calming atmosphere.
Amanda Winwood, RWT Charity Development Manager, said: “We are delighted with the work Daniel and Simon have done – it has brightened up the spaces beyond recognition.”