Spotlight on Royal Hospital Chelsea: Illustrating Heritage and History

Esther & Susan

I’ve had the privilege of working with Susan Potter Associates (Evaluation and Research) for a little while now as a graphic facilitator and live illustrator. One of our most recent collaborations has been for the Royal Hospital Chelsea on a Heritage Lottery Funded project, and I’m excited to be able to give a glimpse of the work we’ve been doing together.

Royal Hospital Chelsea, a historic institution located in the heart of London, is home to 275 ex-veterans known as the Chelsea Pensioners. These remarkable individuals have dedicated their lives to serving their country, and the hospital provides them with a vibrant community in their later years. The site itself holds a special place in British history, and it’s been a real honour to be invited to contribute to celebrating this legacy through my work.

For this project, I created a series of illustrations that now feature on the printed materials for the hospital's family open days. These visuals are designed to engage visitors of all ages and invite them to explore the history of the hospital, and learn about the fascinating stories that make it so unique.

Live Illustration by Esther Springett

But my involvement doesn’t stop there. At the family open days, I’ve also been capturing visitor feedback through live illustration, a process that has given me an incredible insight into how people connect with the rich heritage of the Royal Hospital Chelsea. Seeing visitors engage with the Chelsea Pensioners and hearing their stories firsthand has been truly inspirational. These live illustrations not only record visitor thoughts but also help create a visual memory of the day.

Live Illustration by Esther Springett

Working with the Royal Hospital Chelsea has allowed me to combine my passion for history, storytelling, and illustration.

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