A major public art commission has been announced today for the new Cambridge Cancer Research Hospital. Acclaimed artist Ivan Morison is working in collaboration with patients and staff to design a large scale sculpture — using clay from the East of England historic clay pits — for the foyer of the new hospital located on the Cambridge Biomedical Campus.
Ivan Morison will create The Welcome, a sculptural mural made from locally sourced clays and glazes, alongside bespoke exhibition screens and seating. Together, these elements will form a creative exhibition space within the hospital’s main reception.
Cambridge Cancer Research Hospital 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 hospital.
The Welcome
The Welcome is the first of several art commissions for Cambridge Cancer Research Hospital and will be located within the hospital’s entrance atrium, shaping the arrival experience for patients, staff and visitors.
The work is conceived as a sculptural mural that incorporates places to sit, pause and reflect. It will form the backdrop to a flexible exhibition space that supports a dynamic cultural programme, enabling people to engage with the hospital’s pioneering research.
The artwork will be made using traditional clays combined with natural glazes developed through patient and staff workshops. The result will be a grounded and welcoming artwork that supports the hospital’s caring and research‑led environment.
“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."
Ivan Morison
He added: “I want to create something that speaks to nature and to deep time — something that helps people feel connected, grounded and welcomed. The work aims to be timeless and to create a strong sense of identity as you enter the building.”
Ivan Morison was appointed following a competitive commissioning process, with a selection panel made up of NHS staff, patient representatives, local authority partners and independent arts specialists.
Art at the new Cambridge Cancer Research Hospital
Art is an integral part of the design for the new Cambridge Cancer Research Hospital. CUH Arts is using creative engagement with patients and staff to explore how the design of the hospital can actively support the exceptional quality of care delivered within it.
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.”
Ellen Nowak, Arts Programme Manager said:
“We’re delighted to be working with Ivan Morison on this important commission. Ivan's proposal brings together local materials and a shared creation process to produce a beautiful, tactile work that is deeply connected to community and place.”
She added: “Developed through close engagement with patients and staff, The Welcome responds to what people have consistently told us they value in hospital environments — spaces that feel calm, grounding and supportive, and artworks that people can relate to in their own way. It reflects our ambition for the entrance area to be a place of genuine welcome, care and connection from the moment people arrive at the hospital.”
Engagement workshops
Engagement continues to play a central role in the development of The Welcome.
Ivan Morison has been running a series of Conversations with Clay workshops with people with lived experience of cancer care, exploring local clays and natural materials and inviting participants to contribute directly to the development of the artwork’s final material language.
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 from 17 June 2026.
Funding
The commission is funded through the Section 106 (S106) Agreement with the local authority and forms an essential and integrated part of the planning and design process for the new hospital. Additional engagement activity has been made possible thanks to Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust’s generous supporters.
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 and the arts commission within it, you can visit the Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust (opens in a new tab) website.