Paul Richardson's new sculptures, Dancers 2004, consist of two stylish dancing couples with wide grins.Ìý They have been placed in a courtyard on the south side of the hospital, an area surrounded by corridors just off entrance two.
 | | Detail from Dancers 2004 |
At a time when ballroom dancing is suddenly back in fashion, it's hoped that these cartoon-like figures in silver and gold will put a smile on the faces of the patients, staff and visitors to the hospital. Paul Richardson's ideas behind the sculptures had nothing to do with 91Èȱ¬ series Strictly Come Dancing, he planned the works well before the hit series.Ìý Paul spent time in the hospital thinking about what he would make and as he watched the bustle of activity it reminded him of the movements in dance.Ìý | "The use of sculptures in the courtyards continues the work of improving the patient environment." | | Christine Smart, Chairman, The Ipswich Hospital NHS Trust |
For some of the patients and visitors in the hospital the sculptures are sure toÌý spark fond memories of spending Saturday nights ballroom dancing, for others it is a spectacle to make them smile. Like 24-hour dance-a-thons, the Dancers are there in the hospital courtyard come rain or shine, 24/7, always beaming. The sculptures were commissioned by The Ipswich Hospital Trust's Arts for Health Group andÌý are made out of steel that was cut, bent and welded into position piece by piece. They took about four and a half months to build, have been painted to make them weather proof and together weigh around one ton.
 | | Dancers 2004 by Paul Richardson |
Christine Smart, Chairman of The Ipswich Hospital NHS Trust said: "The display of artwork within the hospital is a feature that we are particularly proud of and the use of sculptures in the courtyards continues the work of improving the patient environment." Suffolk artist Paul Richardson has won other public commissions in the Midlands, Kent, Staffordshire and Essex. Examples of his work are also dotted throughout the Suffolk landscape including the 'Red Indian' in his own village of Middleton; the village sign in Capel St Andre, and "Scramble" an airman and dog at Flixton's Norfolk and Suffolk Aviation museum.Ìý WHAT DO YOU THINK OF 'DANCERS 2004'? HAVE YOUR SAY! | 
