A new exhibition was unveiled last week at Mountbatten’s John Cheverton Centre in Newport, with CEO Nigel Hartley sharing heartfelt stories from patients whose time at the hospice has been transformed through their connection to creativity.
The exhibition features work by Binnel Studios’ artists Molly Attrill; Matthew Chambers; Jane Cox; Sue Paraskeva; Sadie Tierney; Amanda Wheeler and Celia Wilkinson.
Forming the centrepiece of the exhibited work is Senbazuru, 1,000 Origami cranes, made from paper with silk thread and wire and created by Isle of Wight artist, Sue Paraskeva.
The artwork has tremendous meaning and a fascinating background, as Sue describes below.
“Senbazuru, or 1,000 Origami Cranes, is a deeply meaningful tradition in Japanese culture, where the act of folding one thousand paper cranes is symbolic of longevity, happiness, and good fortune.
“The crane itself, a graceful bird, is often seen as a messenger of peace and healing. This tradition is commonly undertaken as a prayer for recovery for someone who is ill, or as a wish for personal happiness and well-being.”
Paraskeva: My personal offering of hope, care, and compassion
Sue goes on to explain,
“This installation of 1,000 cranes has been created as a tribute to Claire and to all those whose lives are touched by illness. Over the past few years, as I have navigated my own journey with Long Covid, which affects 2 million people across the UK, I’ve found solace and connection in the slow, meditative process of folding.
“My artistic practice, in many ways, has had to adapt and readjust in response to this ongoing challenge. The cranes are my personal offering of hope, care, and compassion, symbolizing both my own struggles and the collective journey of those at Mountbatten Hospice. “
Click the play button below to watch the short video of the installation
Paraskeva: Hope exists, even in the face of hardship
Sue finished by saying,
“This Hospice provides vital care for people facing life-limiting and terminal illnesses, offering a space for dignity and support during an incredibly difficult time. Each crane carries with it a prayer—a prayer for healing, peace, and strength for all who are struggling, physically, emotionally, or spiritually.
“These birds are not just paper, thread, and wire; they are a wish, a moment of quiet reflection, and a reminder that hope exists, even in the face of hardship.”
2,000 – chapel installation
Sue is also responsible for the hanging installation in the chapel that consists of 2,000 pierced and hand-rolled porcelain discs.
Each disc serves as a memorial, referencing the average annual death rates on the Isle of Wight.
All welcome
Members of the public are welcome to visit the centre, which boasts a cafe and charity shop, and now an exhibition by artists from Binnel Studios.
Binnel Artists at Mountbatten runs until Friday 9th May 2025.
Check the Mountbatten website for opening times.
