Residents show off their artistic skills

Residents from MHA Bradbury Grange in Whitstable have been showing off their artistic talents in a recent exhibition at a local museum and gallery.

The six-day long display, held at Whitstable Museum & Gallery, has featured various pottery works created by residents at the care home. Each resident produced their own piece of artwork during one of the activity sessions at the home, which were led a local artist.  

The exhibition also included two private viewing events, where residents, their families and staff from the home were able to visit, browse the display and show off their fantastic creations.

Residents worked with ceramicist Imogen Taylor Noble and volunteer potters from the local ceramic community, who have kindly given their time and expertise.

The residents built on the pottery skills that they have been learning and have gained confidence in their ideas and their abilities. They have made items to be given as gifts, porcelain decorations to hang on the tree at Christmas, flower sculptures for the outdoor spaces at Bradbury Grange, vases, dishes, cups, the list goes on.

Beverley Hickey, Area Support Manager, said: “It’s been fantastic to see our residents expressing their artistic talents in the sessions. You could see how much they enjoyed getting involved – art is a great way of bringing everyone together, triggering the imagination and boosting mental health and wellbeing!

"Bringing creative activities such as this to the home is really important to us – we’re so glad we’ve been able to share these lovely works with the local community too.”

“Art is just one of the many activities that our residents at Bradbury Grange enjoy, as we work towards ensuring they are able to enjoy later life while living with us.”

Imogen said: "The exhibition is an opportunity for bridges to be crossed, with the local community seeing the fantastic work made by the older community, and for the residents it is an opportunity to connect with a cultural space within the town, and of course to feel pride in their work on display."

Resident Molly Cox said: "I am so lucky at my age to be able to do this at my age. I am grateful to Imogen and all the helpers. Who would have thought that I would be taking up a new hobby at 98 years of age!“