Staring at paintbrush-wielding monkeys on a toilet wall is not an obvious prescription for someone grappling with the trauma of cancer.
But staff dealing with distraught patients and families at the Maggie’s Centre are in no doubt about the potential power of its art collection.
The charity’s striking home, resembling a smooth pebble dropped in the grounds of Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, is a familiar city landmark.
Its curved contours were carefully chosen by Norway-based architects to foster a sense of calm for those seeking help in dark times.
And the interior is no less deliberately designed to “positively distract and sooth visitors” with a variety of gifted and loaned works.
A ceramic pot by Kjell Nupen was donated by his friend, the Queen of Norway – who joined Maggie’s president the Duchess of Rothesay at the official opening.
Sculptures by fellow Norwegian Bard Breivik are also on show and framed pictures dot the walls – not least in the three toilets.
Centre head Susan Sutherland said those works were potentially invaluable as the facilities were frequently used as refuge.
“People shut themselves in just to have a bit of space, some time alone to gather their thoughts,” she said.
“They say they look at the art and it helps them to see different things – to find some kind of understanding.”
Among them are several by Edinburgh-based Eduardo Paolozzi – who was a friend of Maggie Keswick Jencks, the inspiration behind the centres.
Ms Sutherland said: “People tell us that when they first come here, they are really apprehensive, they do not know what to expect.
“It is already a very difficult time for them. But when they enter the building they feel calm, they feel safe and they feel accepted.
“The place itself does that. The actual building, the environment that’s been created and the ethos behind Maggie’s.”
The support centre was built three years ago thanks to a huge fundraising drive supported by Press and Journal readers.
It is part of a network of 19, all housed in specially-designed buildings in the grounds of hospitals.
Art is chosen by a panel chaired by the director of the National Portrait Gallery.
Laura Lee, Maggie’s chief executive and member of the art group, said it had looked for “loaned and gifted pieces that fitted with the Norwegian-Scottish centre design and that would positively distract and sooth visitors”.
ART
Art is helping the Maggie’s Centre in more ways than one this month – thanks to an unprecedented sale in aid of the charity.
The “pop-up extravaganza” at Aberdeen’s Chester Hotel will feature more than 400 works by 50 established local and national artists.
It is the brainchild of Doric Pub Company boss and property consultant David Reid and Tony Dinozzi of Wood Group.
The art lovers were inspired by the centre’s work and decided to put their connections to good use.
Prices range from £50 to £15,000 to attract the widest-possible audience – from investors to Christmas shoppers, Mr Reid said.
He said it was unprecedented to see works by so many artists for sale under the same roof in the north-east.
Some had been selected for their ability to promote “a great feeling of wellbeing” like those in the centre, he added.
And by avoiding using a gallery, a successful night would produce a significant sum to help the work with those affected by cancer.
Centre head Susan Sutherland said the sale was creating “a real buzz”.
Entry to the show on November 15 and 16 is free – with all visitors receiving 15% off dining at the hotel.
