Two hand-blown glass lungs, each containing a miniature garden, now welcome patients taking part in respiratory research at Glenfield Hospital. The sculpture standing as a lasting symbol of hope, resilience and the life-changing impact of research.
Created by Leicester artist Vishal Joshi, Garden of Lungs draws on both personal experience and conversations with patients living with respiratory conditions.
The artwork was inspired by Vishal’s own journey after surviving Hodgkin’s lymphoma as a teenager, an experience that left a lasting impact on his health and transformed the way he viewed breathing, healing and the human body.
“Surviving cancer at 14 changed the way I see life,” said Vishal. “The treatment weakened my heart, so my lungs had to compensate. That experience stayed with me and shaped how I think about the body.
“When I met patients and researchers through this project, I realised every person carries their own story of resilience. I wanted to create something that felt as real and symbolic as possible, something that reflected both the fragility of our lungs and their extraordinary strength.”
Every detail of the sculpture was chosen with purpose. The lungs are hand-blown from the same type of laboratory glass used for scientific beakers, creating a direct connection between scientific research and the human body. Copper wire forms the trachea and bronchi, representing both the grounding forces of nature and the pathways that sustain life.
Working from Vishal’s original concept, specialist Leicester glass craftsman Graeme Hawes crafted the glass vessels before Vishal assembled the final sculpture.
The artist also drew inspiration from conversations with members of the public at event to raise awareness of tuberculosis (TB) in the community.
The artwork was recently presented to Clinical Professor of Respiratory Medicine and Deputy Director of the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Biomedical Research Centre: Leicester, Chris Brightling, following its completion. It is now permanently displayed at Glenfield Hospital.
Professor Chris Brightling, said: “Vishal has done an excellent job translating complex ideas into a sculpture that is both scientifically meaningful and visually striking.
“The craftsmanship and thought behind every detail are exceptional, creating an accurate and symbolic representation of the lungs. It is a valuable addition to our research centre and a reminder of the people and purpose behind our work.”