An inspiring mosaic (From Echo)

An inspiring mosaic

A COLOURFUL mosaic created by blind and partially-sighted art students has been presented to Southend Hospital's eye unit.

Art Ministry students at the hospital, where their mosaic now has pride of place

The impressive work, crafted at the Art Ministry in Church Road, Thundersley, depicts a coastal scene made of broken tiles, gravel, driftwood and other materials.

Many members of the group have been patients at the hospital's ophthalmology department unit for a number of years and have donated work to brighten up the unit's waiting area.

Artist Ray Wiggins, 80, from Hadleigh, is unable to see the finished article, as glaucoma has now robbed him of virtually all sight.

He said: "Everyone seems to think it is a splendid piece of work."

Fellow Art Ministry member Doreen Maynard, also 80, from Thundersley, has macular degeneration and can now only pick out shapes.

However, she is still able to appreciate the different textures formed by the various materials used in the seascape.

As well as mosaic work, members also create baskets and cards, weave, decorate boxes and paint.

Art Ministry director, the Rev Angela Cotton, who teaches the class, said: "It is amazing how much they can do with only a tiny bit of sight and what fantastic results they achieve.

"The mosaic is a beautiful piece of work and I am very proud of all those involved in it."

Jacqui Paterson, general manager for ophthalmology, said the department is delighted with the gift.

She said: "It really is a very impressive piece of work."