RNOH Charity launches The Buttercup collection

Posted by Vicky Brady on 21 October 2020

HRH Princess Eugenie of York today (21 October) helped launch a limited collection of beautiful, hand-crafted porcelain buttercups to support staff and patients here at the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital (RNOH), which treated her for scoliosis when she was a child.

The Princess, who is Patron of the RNOH Charity, said “As a former patient of the RNOH, and as Patron of the RNOH Charity, I am delighted to support The Buttercup Collection. I know from my own experience that being a child in hospital and having complex surgery can be very daunting. For almost 100 years, Buttercups have offered hope at the RNOH, and I am so pleased to see this tradition continue in such a beautiful way.”

Every day the RNOH treats patients of all ages with complex orthopaedic conditions, including spinal cord injuries, bone cancer, scoliosis, and acute hip and knee problems. Funds raised by the sale of these buttercups will be allocated to the hospital’s most pressing needs, enabling it to improve its world-class service still further.

Buttercups have long been an emblem of hope and optimism at the RNOH. The hospital’s association with the flower dates back to the 1930s, when artificial buttercups were made and sold in central London to raise funds for the hospital’s Appeal.

The porcelain buttercups perfectly embody the hospital’s message of optimism, hope and individuality. In a limited edition of 2,000, they are also a tribute to the many lives changed by the RNOH. Each is hand-finished, slip cast, shaped and painted by Clare Twomey. Priced at £45, including postage and packaging, the buttercups come packaged in a beautiful presentation box, and can be purchased via www.thebuttercupcollection.co.uk.

Twomey  said: “Being able to work with the RNOH Charity and Here Design has been a magical journey. My ambitions as an artist were to create a truly special moment for everyone who helps us support this cause, and together we’ve made these final artworks that are full of the Charity’s positive spirit. It’s been a very special project and privilege to work on.”

The Buttercup Collection is the latest fundraising initiative  from the RNOH Charity, which makes a huge difference to the hospital’s patients and their families by funding vital projects and creating a high-quality environment that is beyond the scope of the hospital’s NHS funding. Rosie Stolarski, Chief Executive of the Charity, said: “The RNOH Charity is delighted to be working in collaboration with Clare Twomey and Here Design to create a unique and beautiful piece of art to share with our supporters and provide an element of hope during these challenging times. All funds raised will strengthen and support the people, research and infrastructure that make the RNOH one of the world’s best orthopaedic hospitals.”

The RNOH Charity also organised a buttercup workshop, led by Clare Twomey, for some of the RNOH’s current and former patients.

Rachel Levene, workshop participant, said: “I was really excited to be part of the Buttercup project. I have a long and affectionate relationship with the RNOH, having been under the care of its skilled and devoted staff for more than 57 years. The buttercup is such a simple but joyful symbol and to watch such a humble little flower be transformed into a vast and exquisitely beautiful creation, and to be a tiny part of that, was a tremendous honour. Thank you to all involved. It was a truly uplifting experience.”

Susannah Kraft, workshop participant, said: “Taking part in Clare Twomey's workshop to make beautiful porcelain buttercups was such a privilege. We all laughed, shared our stories, and Clare created something truly wonderful from our efforts. These fragile and exquisite creations, designed by Clare and produced by us, were not perfect, but somehow all beautiful in their own way. Pretty much like having scoliosis.”

Visit https://thebuttercupcollection.co.uk/ to purchase yours.