Exhibition capturing 'Soul of Sutton' is hailed a success

An exhibition of photographs that capture the “essence and soul” of what makes Sutton Coldfield a great place has been hailed a success.

Photography enthusiasts were invited to enter a ‘Soul of Sutton’ photography competition, submitting their favourite images that captured the best of the Royal Town.

Cllr Cindy Yip, mayor of the Royal Town of Sutton Coldfield selected the winning entries.

Due to the variety of high-quality entries received, the Town Council wanted to share these images more widely with the community.

With Good Hope Hospital looking to brighten up the walls of their Treatment Centre to bring comfort and joy to patients, visitors and staff, they agreed to showcase some of the entries.

Thirteen entries initially went on display from the 2024 initiative but a further nine have since been added from 2025.

Residents featured are Alison Matthews, Dave Taylor, Kathryn Sawbridge, Keith Wright, Harriet Birdsell, Neil Dance and Sutton Park Grange Care Home.

Since launching the Soul of Sutton exhibition, several residents said the images on display have provided a positive distraction while visiting or receiving treatment.

One of these was Dave Taylor, a 2025 entrant whose image ‘Where’s mine?’ is now on display, said: “We saw the images from the 2024 competition and thought they really brightened the treatment centre up and gave us something nice to focus on during our visits there.

“I wanted to enter the 2025 competition/exhibition in the hope that this new collection of images continues to bring enjoyment to other people attending Good Hope Hospital.”

Taken at Coffee#1 in Sutton Coldfield, Dave wanted to highlight the importance of the social spaces in Sutton Coldfield in helping tackle social isolation.

The image features Dave’s friend Colin enjoying a drink and a snack with their Australian Shepherd, Jake.

Some of the many positive responses from other entrants within the exhibition included: Sutton Park Grange Care Home creator of ‘Seasons of Friendship at Sutton Park Grange Care Home’.

They said: “It’s a privilege to have our photograph included in this exhibition at Good Hope Hospital. We feel this ‘Soul of Sutton’ image truly captures the spirit of our residents and hope that it will brightens someone’s day in the wider community of Sutton Coldfield.”

Alison Matthews creator of both ‘Beautiful Blues’ and ‘Proud Park Swan’ said, “I get real pleasure in sharing my photography and I am thrilled to be part of this exhibition at Good Hope Hospital.

“I am just a happy amateur who loves finding beauty in and around Sutton Coldfield, particularly in Sutton Park. Regular walks with my camera are what keeps me healthy, in mind as well as body! This is a great opportunity to share a little of that with patients and staff at Good Hope.”

Keith Wright creator of ‘Maypole Installation, Holly Knoll, Sutton Park, May 2025’ said; “Participating in an exhibition, after being selected in a competition, confirms a personal achievement and instils a sense of pride. Producing photographic images to a set task or theme is an enjoyable challenge for any photographer.

“Many of us, friends or family ( or someone who knows us ), will pass through the  hospital. The printed photograph (as with other printed or painted formats) gives us time to look, experience, enjoy and discuss.”

Cllr Cindy Yip said, “It was a privilege to view the entries and select winners for the 2025 Soul of Sutton competition, each one with a unique story to tell about our Royal Town.

“This is a great space to showcase the talent of local residents. Congratulations again to all the featured artists.”

Simon Jarvis, hospital executive director, Good Hope Hospital, said: “The corridor between the Treatment Centre and the main hospital building is well-used by patients, staff and visitors. 

“The stunning photography on display really brightens up this busy thoroughfare and further strengthens the strong ties between our hospital and the local community.”

Pictured: From left - Cllr Nitish Raut, deputy mayor of Royal Sutton Coldfield, Dave Taylor, photographer of ‘Where’s Mine?’ and 2025 entrant, Emily Hannigan, matron at Good Hope Hospital and Simon Jarvis, hospital executive director at Good Hope Hospital