Tonic Commissions
We support and manage arts, design and selected Greenspace commissioning programmes, developed with patient and staff engagement and collaboration.
Find out more about some of our recent commissions:
East Lothian Community Hospital
Edinburgh Haematology Centre
Beyond Walls
The Tiled Corridor
The Sanctuary
Our Common Humanity
Using outdoor space as creative canvases
The Art Box at the Royal Edinburgh Hospital has been exploding with colour thanks to artist, Natasha Russell, who has been working with patients to create fantastic nature-inspired pieces.
The Art Box at the Royal Edinburgh Hospital has been filled with colourful artwork created by patients during a series of workshops with artist Natasha Russell.
During the workshop patients worked from references and imagination, to create artwork linked to plants, nature, insects and birds.
These ideas have now been brought to life as two beautiful nature-inspired murals.
One by the glasshouses, painted by Natasha, alongside staff and patients.
The second can be found outside the Jordanburn entrance, welcoming patients, visitors and staff into the hospital. The calm blues and greens, depict trees and foliage, wrapping the entrance to the courtyard and creating a light-filled and welcoming feeling. The design is particularly impactful during the winter months, offering a much-needed burst of colour and warmth.
This is more than just adding some colour to the hospital grounds, it is also about creating an environment that lifts spirits and aids in the journey to recovery.
“As you are going to hospital you see the beautiful images, it gives you hope and encouragement.”
“Makes you feel brighter, in winter it will be lovely.”
Sharon Quigley at the Royal Edinburgh Hospital
Our new commission at the Royal Edinburgh Hospital has brought a burst of colour and nature to the Glazed Corridor. This vibrant transformation by artist Sharon Quigley, is based on the theme of “healing plants,” featuring stylised depictions of growth, germination, and garden topiary. These vibrant and uplifting motifs create a visual connection to nature, softening the clinical environment and providing a calming point of focus for patients and staff.
“This is brilliant, what a difference.” Patient
Rainbow to Recovery
‘Rainbow to Recovery’ is a poignant display found in the north corridor of the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh commemorating the incredible support shown to NHS staff during the pandemic.
In 2020, children across the country painted rainbows, a symbol of hope and resilience, and sent them to healthcare workers as a gesture of support. These simple acts of kindness had a profound impact on the staff at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh. Rainbows, sent by local children, filled with vibrant colours and heartfelt messages, brought joy and inspiration to the NHS Lothian wards.
Designer, Rebecca Milling, helped infirmary staff to collate these artworks; ‘Rainbow to Recovery’, capturing the essence of these heartwarming messages and the power of human connection.
Custom garden quilts for patients to enjoy the outdoors
These super colourful, vibrant, one-of-a-kind quilts were made with designer, Laura Spring. As well as being beautiful to look at, they are also helping patients continue to enjoy the fresh air when it’s a bit chilly!
Find out more about how we are enhancing environments and enriching patient experience by reading our case studies
Social and Geographic Context: Edinburgh Haematology Centre
I find myself gazing into a circular haze of blue. I could be looking at a picture of the earth, […]
Clinical Collaboration
There’s a multitude of studies with evidence that people actually heal and repair more quickly in a creative physical environment,” […]
Context and Place: East Lothian
What does it mean to commission artworks for a hospital? There are certain requirements the artists and makers must consider […]
Crafting of Considered Spaces; Mindful Making
In the market town of Haddington in East Lothian, a purpose-built modern healthcare facility is operating with an innovative approach […]