John Conway's Mobile Printing Press Captures End-of-Life Expressions in Irish Hospitals
During a residency centered on end-of-life care, Irish artist John Conway designed a mobile printing press to capture the reflections of palliative care patients. Collaborating with Dublin's Space Forms, the trolley is equipped with wooden drawers, word blocks, a surface-mounted press, and a drying rack. This initiative emerged from Creative Ireland's initiative for artist-healthcare partnerships. In 2025, Conway engaged with patients and staff at Naas General Hospital, generating approximately 200 care-related terms for the word blocks. The trolley's pastel-pink hue harmonizes with healthcare settings. Conway assists patients in producing prints, which act as their final expressions. A selection of these prints will either be archived at Naas General Hospital or handed to families.
Key facts
- John Conway is an Irish artist
- The mobile printing press is designed for palliative care patients
- The project was developed during a residency in 2025
- Conway collaborated with Dublin-based fabricator Space Forms
- The press uses approximately 200 pre-selected word blocks
- Research was conducted at Naas General Hospital in County Kildare
- The project responds to a Creative Ireland initiative
- Prints will be archived at the hospital and given to families
Entities
Artists
- John Conway
- Evanna Devine
Institutions
- Creative Ireland
- Naas General Hospital
- Space Forms
- Dezeen
Locations
- Ireland
- Dublin
- County Kildare
Sources
- Dezeen —