New photography exhibition launches at Good Hope Hospital
Published on 04/02/2026
Good Hope Hospital, in partnership with Royal Sutton Coldfield Town Council, has opened a new photography exhibition created by Sutton residents.
To celebrate the essence and soul of what makes Sutton Coldfield a unique place to visit, live and work, Royal Sutton Coldfield Town Council invited residents with a passion for photography to submit their favourite images that captured the life and character of our Royal Town. Cllr Cindy Yip, Mayor of the Royal Town of Sutton Coldfield, selected the winning entries.
As the quality of entries received was so high, the Town Council wanted to share these photographs more publicly with the local community. This provided an excellent opportunity to collaborate with Good Hope Hospital who were looking to freshen up a busy corridor and create a warm and welcoming environment for visitors, staff and patients.
There is also recognition and growing evidence that art and creativity can positively impact both mental and physical recovery.
Since launching the Soul of Sutton exhibition, several residents have shared that the images on display have provided a positive distraction whilst visiting or receiving treatment and that viewing them helped them feel uplifted.
One of these was Dave Taylor, whose image ‘Where’s mine?’ is now on display. Dave said: “We saw the images from the 2024 competition and thought they really brightened up the Treatment Centre and gave us something nice to focus on during our visits there. I wanted to enter this year's competition in the hope that this new collection of images continues to bring enjoyment to other people attending Good Hope Hospital.”
Taken at Coffee#1 in Sutton Coldfield, Dave wanted to highlight the importance of the social spaces in Sutton Coldfield and their importance in helping tackle social isolation. The image features Dave’s friend Colin enjoying a drink and a snack with their Australian Shepherd, Jake. Dave also went on to say that they enjoy photographing people or artists at events or within spaces in Sutton because they personally believe that it’s the people that make Sutton Coldfield the special place that it is.
The Mayor of Royal Sutton Coldfield, Cllr Cindy Yip said: “It was a privilege to view the entries and select winners for the Soul of Sutton competition, each one with a unique story to tell about our Royal Town. I’m delighted that they, along with several entrants, are now featuring within an exhibition at Good Hope Hospital. This is a great space to showcase the talent of local residents. Congratulations again to all the featured artists.”
Simon Jarvis, Hospital Executive Director at Good Hope Hospital, said:
“Once again, we’re privileged to be able to host the latest Soul of Sutton photography exhibition. We’ve had so many positive comments about last year’s winning photos from hospital colleagues, patients, and visitors, so it’s fantastic to be able to offer up some space again.
“The corridor between the Treatment Centre and the main hospital building is well-used by patients, staff and visitors. The stunning photography on display really brightens up this busy thoroughfare and further strengthens the strong ties between our hospital and the local community.
“Huge thanks to Royal Sutton Coldfield Town Council for organising the competition, and the brilliant local photographers who have really captured what’s special about our town and our community.”
A further nine entries, as well as the thirteen 2024 entries, are now on display in the Good Hope Hospital Treatment Centre and corridors. Residents featured are: Alison Matthews, Dave Taylor, Kathryn Sawbridge, Keith Wright, Harriet Birdsell, Neil Dance and Sutton Park Grange Care Home.
