The Importance of blue sky
Since I was small my father has always extolled to me: “The Importance of Blue Sky.”
In 2006 he commissioned the wonderful artist Charles Church to create a painting to do justice to this phrase and accompany it. A symbol of optimism to have on the wall for grey days. Little did he know how poignant these words were to become …
Title: The Importance of Blue Sky
Artist: Charles Church
My Inspiration
Mental health is something we all struggle with throughout our lives but at times neglect and take for granted. After a seizure at the end of 2018 and further tests my darling father, a lover of life and an enthusiast to the core, was diagnosed with early onset dementia. Memories form the composition of our character and existence. They not only make us the person we are but also are an invaluable source of happiness, a well in which to dip our toe whenever we feel low. To have those taken away was a grievous blow. Facing his diagnosis, even with all the support and love from his family, despair and depression set in. Unwilling to accept the doctor’s prognosis and with a fear of what the imminent future held, it was all too much for Dad…
“I was diagnosed with the onset of dementia. Remedy? None. I lost all hope and could not see a way forward.”
My father was taken to the Fulbrook Centre at the Churchill Hospital Oxford, where he was placed in the secure Sandford Ward. It was here and under the continual care and therapy of the amazing team that he began to glimpse the light again. Surrounded by support, without fear of judgement and with intense therapy this once deflated balloon slowly began to rise again.
“Sandford is a refuge for troubled souls. There I lay in the darkness of despair, searching for some hope. Like the blue sky above one, on the brightest sunniest of days. How I searched for a glimpse every day as I tried to lift myself. And with the help of Dr Hickey Hope finally dawned.”
Blue sky, and the joy an expanse of it can bring, is a therapy accessible to all. I wanted to make a print of Charles’ painting for others to be able to have on their wall, and be lifted by on a grey day. In these difficult days of the pandemic and lockdown everyone’s mental health has been tested by loneliness, fear, anxiety, and grief. Never has blue sky seemed so relevant or been more needed to lift our spirits.
My endeavour in this project is to bring attention to mental well-being and the wonderful NHS staff who help bring light to people across the country. I will be donating 50% of the profits to the Sandford Ward Fulbrook Centre. The nurses helped Dad realise that the blue sky he was searching for was still there. He and I will forever be indebted.
Charles Church
Charles Church’s pictures of horses, landscapes and country life are highly coveted and much sought after the globe over.
Born in 1970 and brought up in Northumberland, the Dorset-based artist developed his skills from an early age during a two-year apprenticeship in Florence under Charles H Cecil. He has been commissioned to paint more than 60 Group/Grade 1 winning racehorses. As Former Chairman of Sotheby’s, Henry Wyndham wrote: “The pictures by this talented artist carry many of the hallmarks of the most renowned British painters of the early 20th century”.
Described by The Prince of Wales as a remarkable artist, with a “unique sensitivity and profound understanding of his subject matter.” On the rare occasions he is able to exhibit, his critically acclaimed shows sell out well in advance.
Sandford Ward Fulbrook Centre
The Sandford Ward is an inpatient ward which assesses and treats men over the age of 65 who are experiencing acute mental health problems or living with dementia. It helps those struggling with breakdowns and who are in crisis.
The team of doctors, nurses, psychologists, occupational therapists and physiotherapists devote their time to 24hr treatment and care. My Dad was shown respect, dignity and compassion with support for every step of his rehab. As his family we too were welcomed warmly when we came to visit him. They also were there for us as we witnessed Dad's battle and slow recovery back to mental strength. He felt safe and secure with all staff taking time to chat and bond with him.
We as a family will forever be indebted to Sandford and their team.