A new exhibition featuring the work of British marquetry artist Lucy Turner is opening at Torbay Hospital in England. Part of the 2026 HeArTs exhibition series, the show runs from January 18 to April 18 in the HeArTs Gallery on level 4. Turner, who has spent over 20 years perfecting her craft, creates vibrant, playful furniture and interior pieces using colored Formica laminate. She studied 3D design at the University of Plymouth and draws inspiration from her smallholding in Somerset. The exhibition includes specially created circular designs installed along the gallery corridor. Artist in residence Helen Snell praised the work as joyful and uplifting, noting its pop art and mid-century influences.
The exhibition matters because it brings nationally acclaimed contemporary art into a healthcare setting, demonstrating the growing recognition of art's therapeutic value in hospitals. It also supports the local community directly: 40% of all sales will go to the HeArTs Charitable Fund, benefiting patients and staff at Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust. The show highlights how regional hospitals can serve as meaningful venues for professional artists, bridging the gap between elite gallery spaces and public access to art.