News story
21 May 2026
Patients walking into the reception area of the new Cambridge Cancer Research Hospital when its doors open will be welcomed by… The Welcome: a huge 3D sculptural mural made from locally sourced clays and glazes.
Ivan Morison, the artist commissioned to design the piece, has designed it using ceramic tiles, with a 3D depth, allowing patients and visitors to sit within the piece, allowing them time to pause and reflect.
“It’s a real honour to be commissioned to develop a work for such an important place, where people will be going through profound and life-changing experiences,” he said.
“The patients, visitors, the hospital deserve a really great piece of art,” he added, describing the work as “quite a monumental piece.”
“It’s big and it’s quite physical. But I want that to be like a reassuring touchstone.”
Thanks for funding from ACT supporters, Ivan has been able to run a series of Conversations with Clay workshops for people who have lived experience of cancer care, exploring local clays and natural materials, allowing them to contribute to the development of what he refers to as the material language of the finished piece.
Ivan’s piece will sit alongside bespoke exhibition screens and seating in the new hospital, forming a creative exhibition space within the hospital’s main reception.
Cambridge Cancer Research Hospital, to be built on the Cambridge Biomedical Campus by 2030, will unite world-class healthcare with cutting‑edge research to transform the way we prevent, diagnose and treat cancer.
Art is an integral part of the design for the new cancer research hospital and Ivan’s The Welcome is the first of several art commissions for the new building.
Elaine Chapman, Lead Advisory Nurse for Cambridge Cancer Research Hospital said:
“Throughout my nursing career, I’ve seen how much the environment around us can shape how people feel when they come into hospital. Art has a unique ability to bring moments of calm, comfort and connection at what can be an incredibly difficult time. It can help ease anxiety, support wellbeing and give patients a greater sense of control in a place that can otherwise feel overwhelming.”
A reflective workshop, bringing together learning from the programme and open to all, will take place at Kettle’s Yard on Saturday 23 May. Book on the CUH Arts website.
There will also be a public exhibition of the Conversations with Clay workshops at the Addenbrooke’s Gallery, at Addenbrooke’s Hospital, from 17 June 2026.
Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust are proud supporters of CUH Arts, the hospital’s arts for health programme, and actively fundraises to extend the reach and impact of this important programme. To find out more about supporting the Cambridge Cancer Research Hospital, click here.