Diana Brandenburger
The Medical Foundation was deeply saddened by the death of Diana Brandenburger, whose energy and commitment enriched the lives of countless clients and staff.
Diana joined the MF in 1997 as an art therapist working with individuals and families who suffered rape and persecution.
It was a testament to her unique approach that many paid tribute to her by describing her as so much more than a therapist, rather, a part of their family.
As artist in residence, Diana's inspiration was and remains visible throughout the London headquarters. The building is adorned with her own sculptures and with the work of the Open Art Studio, an informal environment established by Diana in which people were free to come and go without feeling the pressure to talk.
Diana emphasised that the idea of the Open Art Studio was not to teach or provide therapy, but to provide a safe, creative atmosphere into which clients could escape, once describing it as a "friendly United Nations".
Debra Kalmanowitz, an art therapist who worked with Diana at the MF for eight years, said: "The door to Diana's studio was always open, the atmosphere warm and supportive. Clients could spend the entire day drawing and painting quietly as she encouraged them with her attentiveness and practical help.
"Diana was a very positive person. She liked to bring out the healthy, strong and positive in each individual."
A member of the British Association of Art Therapists, Diana was extensively qualified in systemic family therapy. As well as her commitments to the MF, she was formerly an art therapist with Brent Family Service Unit, an art tutor at St Pancras Hospital, and worked in mental health at the Highgate Day Centre and Middlesex Hospital. Prior to that, she was an art teacher at Holloway Boys School and Jack Ashley School for the Deaf.
Her work also brought her into contact with the Refugee Council, Save the Children and various local education departments, whom she tutored through workshops in art therapy.
Diana's personal art work remains on display throughout the country in numerous private collections and most notably, in the National Portrait Gallery.
Learning of her death from cancer in February 2008, clients described Diana as a "humanitarian mother" whose generosity of spirit meant she gently encouraged their development, enabling individuals and families to bond again.
Clients whose lives she touched unanimously felt privileged to have known her, saying that she would live forever in their memories.
One mother with whom Diana worked in the Children and Family Team, said: "She taught us how to be strong, how to value ourselves and how to be strong enough to see the future, she changed us so much."
Diana was diagnosed with cancer in 2005 and yet continued to attend the MF, supervising the open art studio and seeing clients until her health sadly deteriorated.
Her last gift to the MF was a sculpture inspired by one of her clients, Mother and Child, which will be installed in the garden at the London headquarters as a mark of her immeasurable contribution.
Diana Brandenburger, born 10.01.32, died 26.02.08.
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