A little wonder on the walls at Torbay Hospital

A WOOLLY mammoth, a sabre-toothed tiger and familiar South Devon wildlife are among the animals welcoming children and families to a newly transformed waiting area at Torbay Hospital’s Paediatric Eye Clinic.

The colourful mural, named Bay of Wonders, stretches across the clinic’s waiting area and has been created by South West artist Bex Glover in collaboration with the hospital’s eye clinic team.

Featuring local wildlife, plants and prehistoric creatures, the artwork aims to create a welcoming environment for young patients who may feel anxious about their appointments or eye tests.

Katrina Farmer, Head of Orthoptics and Optometry, said the team wanted to make visits to the clinic a more reassuring experience for children and their families.

‘Children and young people come to us because there are concerns about their sight, and it is understandable that they may feel anxious about their appointment or the tests they need’, she said.

‘We wanted to create a space that helps put people at ease and gives children and families something to look at, explore and talk about while they wait’, she added.

The mural includes animals and plants found South Devon, alongside a section featuring prehistoric creatures inspired by the wildlife and natural history of the English Riviera UNESCO Global Geopark.

Ms Farmer said the artwork celebrates the local environment while offering visitors new details to discover each time they attend the clinic.

Artist Bex Glover said she wanted the mural to encourage curiosity and give children something to explore while waiting for their appointments.

‘I wanted the mural to feel full of curiosity and discovery, with lots of things for children to notice and come back to’, she said.

‘Some details are immediately obvious and others are a little more hidden. I hope children enjoy exploring it, finding a favourite animal and spotting something they didn’t see the last time they visited’.

The project was funded through a legacy left to Torbay and South Devon NHS Charity to support ophthalmology services.

Becky Chown, the charity’s fundraising manager, said the mural demonstrated how a gift left in someone’s will could benefit local people for years to come.

‘Behind this mural is the kindness of someone who chose to remember their local NHS in their will’, she said.

‘Their gift has created something that will be enjoyed by children, young people and families for years to come. It is a lovely reminder that even after someone has gone, their generosity can continue making a difference to local people every single day’, she added.

The project was coordinated by Helen Snell, the hospital’s artist in residence and curator, working alongside Ms Glover, the eye clinic team, the charity, Estates colleagues and the English Riviera UNESCO Global Geopark.

Melanie Border, coordinator of the Geopark, said the mural reflected a growing relationship between the hospital and the organisation.

‘It feels like a genuinely pioneering partnership, one that we are certainly proud of, and the mural is a wonderful example of how healthcare, nature and a strong sense of place can come together in new ways to support wellbeing’, she said.

‘By bringing the story of our Geopark into the hospital, we hope to give children and families a little sense of wonder, discovery and connection at a time when they may need it most’, she added.

The mural’s unveiling coincides with an exhibition of Ms Glover’s work at Torbay Hospital’s HeArTs Gallery.

The exhibition is part of a wider programme supported by Torbay and South Devon NHS Charity, which works with local artists to bring creativity into hospitals and community settings.

Through exhibitions, commissions and creative partnerships, the programme aims to create welcoming spaces for patients, visitors and staff while celebrating artistic talent across the local community.