A new Bay of Wonders for children visiting Torbay Hospital’s eye clinic

Published: 27 October 2026

A woolly mammoth, a sabre-toothed tiger and some much-loved local wildlife are among the creatures now greeting children and families visiting the Paediatric Eye Clinic at Torbay Hospital.

Called Bay of Wonders, the new mural stretches across the clinic’s waiting area and was created by South West artist Bex Glover in collaboration with colleagues from the eye clinic. Colleagues helped shape the designs and choose many of the animals that feature throughout the artwork.

Katrina Farmer, Head of Orthoptics and Optometry, said: “Children and young people come to us because there are concerns about their sight, and it is understandable that they may feel anxious about their appointment or the tests they need.

“We wanted to create a space that helps put people at ease and gives children and families something to look at, explore and talk about while they wait. Rebecca’s mural is full of local wildlife and wonderful details, celebrating the environment around us and giving people something new to discover each time they visit.”

The artwork includes familiar animals and plants from around Torbay and South Devon, alongside prehistoric creatures that appear within one section of the mural. Elements of that section draw on the wildlife and natural history of the English Riviera UNESCO Global Geopark.

Bex Glover said: “I wanted the mural to feel full of curiosity and discovery, with lots of things for children to notice and come back to.

“Some details are immediately obvious and others are a little more hidden. I hope children enjoy exploring it, finding a favourite animal and spotting something they didn’t see the last time they visited.”

The mural was funded by a legacy left to Torbay and South Devon NHS Charity to support ophthalmology services.

Becky Chown, Fundraising Manager for Torbay and South Devon NHS Charity, said: “Behind this mural is the kindness of someone who chose to remember their local NHS in their will.

“Their gift has created something that will be enjoyed by children, young people and families for years to come. It is a lovely reminder that even after someone has gone, their generosity can continue making a difference to local people every single day.”

The project was brought together by Helen Snell, our artist in residence and curator, working with Bex Glover, our eye clinic team, our Charity, Estates colleagues and the English Riviera UNESCO Global Geopark.

Melanie Border, Coordinator English Riviera UNESCO Global Geopark, said: ““It’s really exciting to see the relationship between Torbay Hospital and the English Riviera UNESCO Global Geopark continue to grow.

“It feels like a genuinely pioneering partnership, one that we are certainly proud of and the mural is a wonderful example of how healthcare, nature and a strong sense of place can come together in new ways to support wellbeing. By bringing the story of our Geopark into the hospital, we hope to give children and families a little sense of wonder, discovery and connection at a time when they may need it most.”

The unveiling coincides with an exhibition of Bex’s work in Torbay Hospital’s HeArTs Gallery on Level 4 (behind the main entrance).

The exhibition forms part of a wider programme supported by Torbay and South Devon NHS Charity, which works with local artists to bring creativity into hospitals and community settings.

Through exhibitions, commissions and creative partnerships, the programme helps create welcoming spaces for patients, visitors and staff while celebrating the talent and creativity found across our communities.

Bay of Wonders was officially unveiled on Thursday 22 October by colleagues, partners and supporters involved in bringing the project to life.