The Town Council in partnership with Good Hope Hospital, launches the 2025 Soul of Sutton photography exhibition created by Royal Sutton Coldfield 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 for this year’s competition was very 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.
Image features from left to right: Cllr Nitish Raut, Deputy Mayor of Royal Sutton Coldfield, Dave Taylor, Photographer of ‘Where’s Mine?’ and 2025 entrant, Emily Hannigan, Matron at Good Hope Hospital and Simon Jarvis, Hospital Executive Director at Good Hope Hospital.
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, a 2025 entrant whose image ‘Where’s mine?’ is now on display, said, “We saw the images from the 2024 competition and thought they really brightened the treatment centre up and gave us something nice to focus on during our visits there. I wanted to enter the 2025 competition/exhibition 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 we have here 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.
Image features from left to right: Emily Hannigan, Matron, Cllr Nitish Raut, Deputy Mayor of Royal Sutton Coldfield, Dave Taylor with his Australian Shepherd Jake, Simon Jarvis, Hospital Executive Director,Victoria Boyd, Senior Staff Nurse, Ann Marie Jesson, Specialist Nurse and Niky Sears, Dietitian.
Some of the many positive responses from other entrants within the exhibition included:
Sutton Park Grange Care Home creator of ‘Seasons of Friendship at Sutton Park Grange Care Home’, said, “It’s a privilege to have our photograph included in this exhibition at Good Hope Hospital. We feel this ‘Soul of Sutton’ image truly captures the spirit of our residents and hope that it will brightens someone’s day in the wider community of Sutton Coldfield.”
Alison Matthews creator of both ‘Beautiful Blues’ and ‘Proud Park Swan’ said, “I get real pleasure in sharing my photography and I am thrilled to be part of this exhibition at Good Hope Hospital. I am just a happy amateur who loves finding beauty in and around Sutton Coldfield, particularly in Sutton Park. Regular walks with my camera are what keeps me healthy, in mind as well as body! This is a great opportunity to share a little of that with patients and staff at Good Hope.”
Keith Wright creator of ‘Maypole Installation, Holly Knoll, Sutton Park, May 2025’ said,
“Participating in an exhibition, after being selected in a competition, confirms a personal achievement and instils a sense of pride. Producing photographic images to a set task or theme is an enjoyable challenge for any photographer.
Many of us, friends or family ( or someone who knows us ), will pass through the hospital. The printed photograph ( as with other printed or painted formats ) gives us time to look, experience, enjoy and discuss.”
The Mayor of Royal Sutton Coldfield, Cllr Cindy Yip said, “It was a privilege to view the entries and select winners for the 2025 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, 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.
