A leaf sculpture representing a piece of Adelaide’s medical history has been installed at the Royal Adelaide Hospital (RAH), bringing old and new together and building on the prominent role of art across the site.
The three metre high cast aluminium sculpture, titled Life a Leaf, has come from The Wyatt Trust. Established in 1886, The Wyatt Trust is a leading philanthropic foundation providing opportunities for South Australians.
The trust was formed following the bequest of Doctor William Wyatt, who was a surgeon, administrator and philanthropist strongly involved in the Adelaide Hospital during its colonial beginnings.
Doctor Wyatt requested in his will that his estate be used to help others and over the past 130 years has distributed nearly $50 million to help South Australian individuals and families.
Liz Wilson, Chairperson of The Wyatt Trust, said the trust commissioned artist Jeremy Herbert to complete the sculpture in 2006, and it was installed in their Pirie Street premises.
When the trust learned they needed to move the sculpture, a relocation to the Royal Adelaide Hospital was put forward given the strong connection of Doctor Wyatt to the original hospital.
“Doctor Wyatt was one of the three honorary medical officers to the first Adelaide hospital,” Liz said.
“He was a member of the first medical board and was chairman from 1870 until his death in 1886.
“We are delighted that this sculpture now has a place at the Royal Adelaide Hospital, recognising Doctor Wyatt’s contribution to the Adelaide Hospital, and his continuing legacy in improving the welfare of South Australians through the trust’s grants program.”
Celsus Chief Executive Officer Di Mantell, said Celsus was pleased to support the installation of the sculpture. Celsus is the project consortium responsible for the design, finance, construction, commissioning and facility management of the Royal Adelaide Hospital.
“This stunning piece complements and adds to the range of sculptures featured in courtyards and green spaces throughout the facility, as well as the floral theme which can be found within the hospital,” Ms Mantell said.
Michelle Cripps, Director of the Centre for Creative Health at the RAH, said art featured strongly across the hospital, creating a healing and vibrant environment.
She thanked The Wyatt Trust, Celsus, Spotless and the Central Adelaide Local Health Network for their support of the artwork installation.
The leaf sculpture has been installed in the RAH courtyard on level 3, opposite the concierge desk.