Dorothy House announces new Art Ambassador

Dorothy House is delighted to announce the appointment of internationally renowned artist, Bruce Munro as our new Art Ambassador.   

Bruce Munro joins nine other volunteer Ambassadors who all have a personal passion for outstanding end of life care and who use their unique influence, skills and experience to champion the work of Dorothy House across our 800 square mile patch; stretching over Bath & Keynsham, East Somerset, North Wiltshire and West Wiltshire. 

Bruce’s relationship with Dorothy House began in 2021 with his generous donation of the Firefly light installation to the Winsley estate grounds. This relationship grew in 2023 with a doubling in size of the Firefly woods; opened as part of a Royal visit from Her Royal Highness Princess Anne, who accepted a Firefly in memory of her mother, the late Queen Elizabeth II.

  Bruce said:

“To be involved with Dorothy House is a privilege. We need a thousand Dorothy Houses all funded really well. When are we going to wake up and say this should be for everybody, everybody should have access to quality end of life care. Each Firefly is a reminder of that; it is a simple illustration of that sort of spirit – that Dorothy House provided loved ones with, with the kind of end of life that we would all want; kindness, warmth and love.” 

James Byron – Head of Marketing & Engagement said: 

“Our Ambassadors have the knowledge, skills and experience to represent Dorothy House; raising vital awareness of our vision and being pro-active in helping us achieve our goals. Bruce brings a holistic dimension to our Ambassador team and thanks to his generous creativity helps us enhance the wellbeing of our patients, families and community; offering a new way of connecting with our Hospice vision of a society where death is part of life.” 

Firefly woods

Since their initial installation in 2021, the Fireflies have raised a phenomenal £180,000 for Dorothy House’s end of life care and bereavement support. Designed by Bruce, each Firefly’s light represents the life and soul of a loved one lost. The Firefly is a symbol of their memory, shining on. 

Nestled in our beautifully calm grounds at Winsley, the Fireflies provide a peaceful place for reflection, giving families a place to visit, to treasure precious memories of their loved ones. Anyone can dedicate a light on a Firefly to a loved one, whether they have been in the care of Dorothy House or not.  

We have opened up our grounds to the community and since 2023, have seen almost 300 visitors interacting with the Interactive Nature Trail which uses the fascinating parallels between life and death in the human and natural world, to kickstart important conversations within families. 

World renowned artist 

Bruce Munro, Uluru, Australia – Field of Light.  

Bruce is best known for immersive large-scale light-based installations inspired largely by his interest in shared human experience. Recording ideas and images in sketchbooks has been his practice for over 40 years. By this means he has captured his responses to stimuli such as music, literature, science, and the world around him for reference, reflection, and subject matter.  

This tendency has been combined with a liking for components and an inventive urge for reuse, coupled with career training in manufacture of light. As a result Munro produces both monumental, temporary experiential artworks as well as intimate story-pieces.

Dorothy House Ambassadors 

Find out more about our volunteer Ambassadors and how the support Dorothy House here.