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 centres.

After leading on the project for our Liverpool centre art, Alex has recently undertaken the task of providing works for our latest James’ Place in Bunhill Row, London The pieces on display in both our Liverpool and London centres offer a sense of identity and relevance to each environment.

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

“The hope that we could support the critical work of James’ Place, in Finn’s memory through art,  came alive with the creation of the James’ Place Art Project”, said Alex.

“Originating from a place of deepest sadness, this idea has become a reality, with the project now helping contribute to the healing environment that welcomes the men who use our centres. These are places that are full of hope, solace and respect.  It is also a privilege to work with many talented artists who have embraced our vision with generosity and openness. Art really can bring hope and contribute positively in unexpected ways.”

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.

We would like to thank all our James’ Place Artists for allowing us to show their work in our centres in Liverpool and London and for so kindly supporting the charity through the sale of their art.  We would also like to thank James Elwes at TIN MAN ART (tinmanart.co.uk @tinmanart) for his time and generous support.  

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

 

Liverpool Centre Art

London Centre Art