Blue Roses - a description of varicose veins coined by award-winning film maker Marianna Simnett - is the title of her latest short film. Marianna explores her fascination of varicose veins and lets her imagination run riot delving deeply into her feelings about this problem.

Award winning Marianna Simnett having her leg made up whilst Filming Blue Roses - at The Whiteley Clinic

Marianna chose Prof Mark Whiteley and the The Whiteley Clinic in Bond Street, London to be in her film having read his book "Understanding Venous Reflux - the cause of varicose veins and venous leg ulcers." Following considerable research, Marion wrote the script based on the principles that found the Whiteley Protocol. 

Lead Nurse Carla Correia Da Silva helping at the Filming of Blue Roses - a Marianna Simnett film at The Whiteley Clinic, Bond Street, London

Filming continues at a special effects location and then a laboratory in America for the final parts of the jigsaw that make up this fascinating film.

Blue Roses and varicose veins

Marianna Simnett tells the story that when she was a child, she asked a relative what the "Blue Roses" were on her leg, being too young to know about varicose veins. The name has stuck with her ever since and became the inspiration for this work.

Prof Mark Whiteley and Producer Emily Rudge preparing a scene during the Filming of Blue Roses - a Marianna Simnett Film at The Whiteley Clinic in Bond Street, London

The filming of Blue Roses was directed and performed by Marianna, with the very able producer, Emily Rudge. Emily worked closely with Marianna and Carla Da Silva (lead nurse at the The Whiteley Clinic in Bond Street, London) to plan the day in advance and to make sure the filming went without a hitch.

Amazing make up to look like Varicose Veins by Emma Croft - make up artist for Blue Roses - a Marianna Simnett Film at The Whiteley Clinic 27 June 2015

Make-up artist Emma Croft made a series of silicon varicose veins to be applied to Marianna's leg as part of the props for the film. They were unbelievably lifelike and even made Prof Whiteley do a double take when he 1st saw them.

Where to see Blue Roses

Comar, Isle of Mull:  http://www.comar.co.uk/whats-on/marianna-simnett-blue-roses Serpentine Gallery: http://www.serpentinegalleries.org/exhibitions-events/park-nights-2015-marianna-simnett-blue-roses