Princess Eugenie shines a spotlight on creative healing in Wandsworth

The power that arts and culture plays in transforming wellbeing received a Royal endorsement in November when Her Royal Highness Princess Eugenie, visited South West London and St George's Mental Health Trust in Tooting to witness the innovative work of Hospital Rooms, a charity revolutionising mental health care through art.

The partnership between Hospital Rooms and South West London and St George's Mental Health Trust exemplifies Wandsworth’s commitment to integrating creativity into health care.

Wandsworth will be London Borough of Culture in 2025, which will bring even more focus to these efforts.

The Princess toured part of South West London and St George’s Mental Health NHS Trust, to see how art and culture are being harnessed as powerful tools to promote well-being.

She saw first-hand the profound impact of transforming clinical spaces into vibrant, therapeutic environments.

In 2021, Hospital Rooms partnered with South West London and St George’s Mental Health NHS Trust, to commission 20 major artworks to transform how hospital wards are experienced by patients and service users.

Wandsworth Council supported the commissioned artwork co-created by RCA graduate Harold Offeh and Springfield Hospital Recovery College, through the Wandsworth Grant Fund.

Hospital Rooms led 120 workshops with patients, carers and staff with the aim of transforming how a mental health hospital can look and feel and making access to creative participation central to the culture of care at the Trust.

These artworks were an integral part of the development of two new mental health units which opened in 2022.

This innovative approach reflects the broader ambition of Wandsworth as it steps into its role as London Borough of Culture. With initiatives like these, the borough is championing the power of the arts to create healthier, more connected communities.

During her visit, the Princess also saw the Trust’s specialist Deaf services on Bluebell Ward, which provides support for the mental health of those who are deaf, blind or sight/hearing impaired.

She spoke to staff and patients and learnt more about the art installations on the ward specially adapted with braille.

The visit not only drew national attention to Springfield Hospital’s pioneering efforts but also highlighted the role of culture as a tool for healing and renewal.

Leading the Creative Health Movement

As part of its year-long celebration, Wandsworth is positioning itself at the forefront of the creative health movement, aligning with the Mayor of London’s ambition to make London a Creative Health City.

The "Culture Heals" theme underscores Wandsworth’s belief that the arts are not just for entertainment – they are essential for well-being.

See our website for more information about our year as London Borough of Culture.