Posted on 22nd May 2026

The wildlife and flora of our hospice gardens have been brought indoors and closer to patients thanks to the artistry of a member of our design team.

Graphic designer Gemma Gould has created a two-storey high mural to adorn the walls of our Perry Ward, as part of a major £3 million overhaul.

Inspiration

Taking inspiration from the woods and woodland visitors that surround the ward at Shrewsbury – and a treasured family memory – Gemma’s design includes images of pheasants, hares, rabbits, robins – and even the neighbour’s cat!

Gemma said: “The hospice gardens are such a beautiful, calming place and I wanted to invite that feeling of natural peace into the ward.

“My grandad was cared for at Bicton 17 years ago. While he was here, I sketched a baby rabbit as a gift for him, based on the rabbits he could see in the gardens through his window. Almost two decades later, that rabbit now sits at the foot of an oak tree in the visitors’ area.”

Talent

The whole design was drawn digitally before being transferred to a large-scale specialist printer. 

Gemma added: “I’ve never worked at such a vast scale before, and visualising how the artwork would translate from my 24” screen to a wall the size of a house was definitely a challenge!

“I wanted something that filled the whole space, emphasising the sense of height and light. To see it working and people’s reaction to it already has made me so proud.”

Illustrations

Gemma is part of our Communications team, who create all our information and promotional materials.

Gemma has previously illustrated children’s education books and was part of the public art initiative which saw BT boxes around Shrewsbury brightened up with colourful illustrations. Gemma’s work can still be seen on the box outside Shrewsbury library.

She added: “I love any chance to draw and I hope that my new artwork will help patients and visitors take a moment to feel soothed and uplifted by nature.”