Our art project

‘Art is the highest form of hope’, the title of a book from Gerhard Richter has become the motto of the James’ Place Art Project. Art can be both an incredible comfort and great inspiration.

 

Behind this project is Alex Abberton who is the Art Coordinator for James’ Place.

Alex’s work with James’ Place comes from a very personal place. In December 2017, Alex’s son Finn tragically took his own life. Losing him has had a devastating impact on all his family and friends.

Alex met Clare Milford Haven, co-founder and trustee of James’ Place, just a couple of months after Finn’s death when James’ Place Liverpool was being designed. Clare had a strong vision for the atmosphere of the centre. Far away from the classic clinical setting, she wanted to create a calm, warm and lived-in environment for men experiencing a suicidal crisis who would visit James’ Place.

Determined to create positive change for suicide prevention and to pay tribute to Finn’s memory who was a passionate art enthusiast and a brilliant artist, Alex set up James’ Place’s Art Project.

Alex works with artists to source pieces that are displayed in the therapy rooms and communal spaces at James’ Place. The art not only creates the unique atmosphere of the centre, but it is also there to move and inspire anyone who visits James’ Place.

Alex chooses each piece with the intention to spark a feeling of hope, a positive emotion or a newly found interest in art from men seeking help in the centre.

Additionally, we hope that being shown at James’ Place will benefit the artists and encourage their practice.

Each piece is only temporarily shown at James’ Place until the piece is sold and moved to its new home. Each artist is donating a portion of their sale to support the work we do to help men in suicidal crisis.

Alex has plans to create more art activities at James’ Place, including events and partnerships with local galleries.

If you have any queries about buying a piece, or any other James’ Place Art related question, please contact Alex Abberton.