Montell brings Croydon to life through art
A talented colleague is being celebrated not only for the contribution he makes to patients every day, but also for his growing success as an artist whose work is now on display across the borough.
Montell Barrett-Brookes, a Housekeeper at Croydon University Hospital and former Croydon Stars Award nominee, is one of three artists selected for the fifth edition of the Creative Croydon outdoor exhibition, which is currently transforming Croydon's town centre into an open-air gallery.
The exhibition features more than 40 lamppost banners displaying artwork from three talented local artists and celebrates the creativity of people who live, work or study in the borough. Since launching in 2022, Creative Croydon has become a vibrant annual showcase of local talent, with this year's competition attracting a record-breaking 132 entries.
Montell's artwork was chosen by a judging panel made up of previous Creative Croydon artists, who anonymously reviewed submissions before selecting this year's winners.
Born, raised and working in Croydon, Montell creates bright, playful illustrations inspired by everyday life, childhood memories and the places that have shaped him.
Speaking about his work, Montell said:
"I'm an illustrator from Croydon creating bright, playful work inspired by everyday life, childhood memories and culturally rich places. Born, raised and working in the borough, I draw from its diversity and familiarity. Returning to art a year ago, I am continuing to shape my style through experimentation, blending imagination with reality."
Montell's collection celebrates local identity through illustrations of three iconic Croydon locations: Pollards Hill, Crystal Palace Park and Saffron Tower. Each piece combines familiar landmarks with vibrant flowers, greenery and natural elements, creating colourful scenes that highlight the unique character of the borough.
He said:
"My artworks celebrate local identity through three of my favourite iconic locations - Pollards Hill, Crystal Palace Park and Saffron Tower - each surrounded by vibrant natural elements such as flowers and greenery. By blending Croydon's urban landmarks with nature, the series highlights how the borough's architecture and landscapes beautifully complement one another."
While many colleagues know Montell through his role within the Trust's housekeeping team, his artwork is now being seen by thousands of residents and visitors walking through the town centre this summer.
The achievement is particularly special for colleagues who may remember Montell being nominated for a Croydon Stars Award two years ago. His latest success highlights the incredible range of talents and interests that exist across the Trust and the positive impact our staff make both within and beyond the workplace.
Everyone at Croydon Health Services is incredibly proud to see Montell's creativity being recognised on such a prominent platform.
Congratulations, Montell, on this fantastic achievement and for helping showcase the creativity, diversity and community spirit that make Croydon such a special place. 🎨💙
See this artwork below.
