By the Royal Hospital for Neuro-disability
Among the many milestones achieved at the Royal Hospital for Neuro-disability (RHN), one that truly stands out is our Emerge! Art Exhibition.
In 2012, the RHN received funding to renovate its Art Room, a vibrant, much-loved creative space used by patients, residents, families and staff. Managed by Art Technicians Sian Cook and Krystyna Pezinska, the room provides a safe, non-clinical environment where participants can express themselves creatively through art tailored to their abilities and interests.
Running over 50 weekly sessions across our services, Sian and Krystyna offer a wide range of art forms including pottery, textiles, painting, printmaking and more.
Every activity is carefully adapted to meet each patient’s clinical and creative needs.
Working closely with Occupational Therapists, the Art Technicians identify patients who may benefit from art-based interventions, outlining therapeutic goals such as improving motor function or supporting communication. Adaptive tools are also introduced to ensure that patients can engage as independently as possible.
Krystyna said: “Where possible, we encourage patients to generate their own ideas for what they’d like to create.
This not only keeps us on our toes but empowers them to explore what’s personally meaningful.”
In August 2023, Sian and Krystyna attended a powerful exhibition at the Barbican, showcasing brain injury patient’s artwork.
This inspired them to host a smaller in-house exhibition of patients’ art during the festive period.
The response was overwhelmingly positive and sparked a desire to develop something bigger.
Soon after, they discovered the Wandsworth Arts Fringe, a council-funded festival supporting local talent, and successfully applied for funding.
With additional support from an RHN donor, Emerge! began to take shape.
Preparing for the exhibition involved collaboration across departments and with external organisations. Working with our Wheelchair Specialist Team and the UK design duo behind Enayball, an innovative device that allows wheelchair users to create art through movement.
Patients explored new creative techniques, producing large-scale collaborative pieces.
Sian said: “Organising and hosting Emerge! was a completely new experience for us and a first for the RHN in terms of scale.
“It involved a steep learning curve but also opened up exciting opportunities. One of the most rewarding aspects was the collaboration it inspired across the hospital.
“Working with our Research and Archives team, we also uncovered artwork created by former patients, linking today’s artists with the hospital’s rich creative history.”
A key partner in realising the exhibition was local curator and entrepreneur Roopa Basu, who helped select works and shape the exhibition’s vision.
Wandsworth Council also provided invaluable support, connecting the team with local creatives through networking initiatives.
Krystyna said: “The process was both challenging and immensely rewarding — filled with learning, creativity, and joy.
“We’re grateful for the support we received and proud of what the exhibition achieved.”
A private viewing was held for the exhibiting artists, their guests, local creatives, members of Wandsworth Council and the Deputy Mayor, Councillor Birchal, who delivered a heartfelt speech recognising the talent and resilience of RHN’s residents. The event set an inspiring tone for the exhibition’s public opening
Visitors were captivated by the range and quality of the work. One standout piece came from Ruth, a long-standing Art Room participant and self-proclaimed frog enthusiast.
Her playful clay sculptures, each inspired by different musicals, formed part of a guessing competition that drew a constant stream of curious visitors.
Ruth watched proudly as guests debated the answers; a moment of joy and validation for her artistry.
Another highlight was the interactive area, where patients, residents, and visitors could use Enayball to create large-scale artwork.
The result was a lively, collaborative atmosphere that deepened visitors’ appreciation for the creative process and the adaptive techniques involved.
The primary aim of Emerge! was to celebrate and showcase the remarkable creativity of RHN’s patients; a goal it exceeded in every sense.
The exhibition reconnected former patients with the hospital, encouraged current patients to share their achievements with loved ones, and generated a buzz that spread throughout the RHN community.
Sian said: “Emerge! changed everything. Past patients returned, families celebrated together, and our participants felt immense pride.
“It also helped us build lasting relationships with local councils, creative networks, and charitable organisations; partnerships we hope to strengthen in the future.”
Looking ahead, Krystyna and Sian are already planning how to build on the exhibition’s success.
Krystyna said: “We’re proud to be one of the few hospitals in the UK with such a well-established Arts Service.
“We aim to host major exhibitions like Emerge! every other year, giving us time to support the creation of new work and ensure each show reaches its full potential.”
The Royal Hospital for Neuro-disability continues to lead the way in specialist care for people living with neuro-disabilities.
Beyond clinical excellence, its vibrant Leisure and Therapy programmes, and initiatives like Emerge!, enrich daily life, demonstrating the power of creativity to heal, connect and inspire.
Learn more about RHN at rhn.org.uk
