Design Council Trustee Martin Darbyshire attends unveiling to support Blood Cancer Awareness Month

This week Design Council were invited to support internationally acclaimed British designer Paul Cocksedge, as he launched his inspiring outdoor installation to support Blood Cancer Awareness Month.

Endorsed by Bloodwise, Leukaemia CARE, Myeloma UK, CLL Support Association, Waldenstrom (WM) UK, Anthony Nolan, MDS Foundation, Lymphoma Association and CML Support, Paul’s creation of 104 unique sculptures were unveiled to occupy Paternoster Square from 4 to 30 September 2017.

Each monolith represents 1 of the 104 people diagnosed each day across the United Kingdom with blood cancer, and have been carefully crafted to match their height and identify that individual by name. The giant names have then been placed across the iconic space in Paternoster Square, where the thousands of office staff that occupy the square (as well as visitors) can view the sculptures as they pass through each day.

“Design isn’t just for a niche audience, and this is a chance to show that it can carry a message to the wider public,” said Paul Cocksedge. “We feel that this piece communicates in a way that’s engaging, accessible and, most importantly, leaves a lasting impact. It’s also been an opportunity to use design to tell the stories of individuals that have experienced blood cancer, and make sure they’re shared with as many people as possible”.

Every 14 minutes someone in the UK is diagnosed with blood cancer (that’s 104 people each day), and this project marks the launch of the Make Blood Cancer Visible campaign, sponsored by Janssen UK and endorsed by nine blood cancer patient support groups which aim to shine a light on blood cancer across the UK during September.

We were fortunate enough to have Design Council Trustee Martin Darbyshire on hand to attend this awe inspiring outdoor unveilling. Martin said "Public installations often entertain or inspire in abstract ways, leaving people to form their own conclusions as to the purpose or meaning of the work. Paul Cocksedge's response to the Make Blood Cancer Visible campaign is a highly intelligent and purposeful design solution. It subtly intertwines the need for having a striking spatial presence, with the desire to communicate the impact that this cancer has on people's lives, in an insightful and reflective way”.

Design Council CEO Sarah Weir added her comments by saying “Design Council is delighted to see such an inspiring piece of work by talented British designer Paul Cocksedge. His work in raising public awareness around those living with blood cancer each day is a great example of how purposeful design can deliver a public benefit. His ingenious and impactful installation will not only engage those who see and hear about it, but will also stand as a great example of the design talent that we possess across the United Kingdom.”

We encourage all readers to visit this incredible installation during the crucial month of September, to take pictures and share stories across social media channels, raising awareness and keeping the all important conversation going around blood cancer awareness.

This installation is also part of London Design Festival, which takes place from 16 to 24 September 2017.

Social media: #makebloodcancervisible #paulcocksedgestudio