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“I think we don't acknowledge enough how much the impact of what we see on a day-to-day basis affects our ability to be present and to be empathetic to people, because sometimes it gets to a point where you just see the problem, not the person.”
Gerd Sortland, Head of Occupational Therapy Services, Highgate East
Highgate East was already an award-winning scheme when Art in Site was introduced to the project, but there was no artwork on the walls.
In taking on the commission, we were inspired by the way clinicians engage with their patients and saw an opportunity to connect Gerd with artist Charlotte Mann - making a link between an Occupational Therapist's approach to social dynamic interaction and Charlotte's 'guided drawing' practice, developed over many years teaching at the Royal Drawing School, in primary and secondary schools, and in community groups.
Central to Charlotte Mann ‘s art practice, is the belief that the energy that sustained attention and presence in the moment without a goal in mind can bring powerful magic to a room, and in people’s hearts and minds.
Patients, OT’s and Art in Site designers sang and chatted unselfconsciously as they drew plants given to Charlotte by local residents in an atmosphere of quiet focus acceptance and generosity.
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When Charlotte worked alone in the studio, making the works that now decorate the wards, she became aware that what she gave to the patients in the workshop was given back to her in abundance and formed her approach to the work.
“Having the patient’s drawings with me not only provided the drawing material but kept the workshop experience and the individuals whotook part alive in my imagination as I worked.”
Charlotte Mann, Artist
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Perhaps the most telling moment of the process was when a patient who had been detached and unable to speak since admission, began to speak out of the blue during a session. An Occupational Therapist, alert and calm inthe moment, asked him, "do you think you will be able to speak to someone now?" and he nodded, and she said, "I'll get someone rightaway..."
As we installed the work, patients were eager to contribute, pointing out where theartworks could be enhanced and energized,by the presence of art.
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“I think of the reason I really like these projects is it’s real, not therapy. The OT‘s got to do something very different with people, working with them in a way that is not therapy, not treatment, but is actually exploring something, not for your own sake, but for the sake of doing the art and enhancing the environment.”
Gerd Sortland, Head of Occupational Therapy Services, Highgate East
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Project Information
Date
2025
Sector
Mental health
Service
Art Consultancy
Client
North London Mental Health Partnership
Architect
Ryder Architecture
Artists
Charlotte Mann
Team
Martin Jones
Awards
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