New Photography  Exhibition Celebrates 25 Years of Bristol Children’s Hospital 

It’s time to look back. Our brand-new exhibition celebrating 25 years of Bristol Children’s Hospital has opened in the hospital reception! 

In 2001, Bristol Children’s Hospital moved from its original Victorian premises on St Michael’s Hill to its current, purpose-built home on Upper Maudlin Street. 

To celebrate the hospital’s birthday, we’ve worked with Bristol-based photographer, Ciara Hillyer, on a series of exhibitions called A Hospital of Stories: 25 Years Through the Lens. The photographs celebrate the staff, patients and moments that have shaped Bristol Children’s Hospital over the past 25 years. 

The exhibition is told from Ciara’s unique perspective as a former patient. As someone who was under the care of the children’s hospital for 18 years, Ciara understands better than anyone how much care, dedication and attention go into making Bristol Children’s Hospital the best place possible for sick children and their families.

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A Hospital of Stories: 25 Years Through the Lens  

On Monday 3 August, the first of three exhibitions opened in the hospital reception for families and staff members to enjoy. 

The first exhibition features 25 photographs, focused on the little details that make a big difference to the livelihoods of patients and their families. 

Ciara has shone a light on everything from the comforting Gromit teddies that are given to children after their first heart surgery, to the free days out we fund for patients’ siblings as a much-needed break from long days in hospital. 

Unless you’ve had personal experience of the children’s hospital, you might not be aware of all the incredible gifts, experiences, artwork, entertainment and spaces that are provided for families. 

Many of these little details are only possible thanks to the kindness of The Grand Appeal’s supporters. This exhibition also celebrates this support and the incredible difference people like you have made over the past 25 years.

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About the photographer 

Ciara has been part of The Grand Appeal since the very beginning. 

Back in 1995, at just four years old, Ciara became the face of our very first capital appeal, which played a vital role in bringing the new Bristol Children’s Hospital to life.

Through the appeal, spearheaded by Wallace & Gromit with the support of Aardman, we raised £12 million of the £30 million needed to build the hospital we have today. 

We hope Ciara’s exhibition will offer everyone a powerful opportunity to pause, reflect and celebrate the extraordinary people and stories that have shaped the hospital over the past 25 years. 

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A Hospital of Stories: 25 Years Through the Lens features three photographic collections, which will rotate monthly until the autumn.  

Keep an eye on our social media channels for news about the next exhibitions in this series.