Skelton Court residents’ artwork partnership boosts museum exhibition

Residents at Skelton Court care home in Skelton-in-Cleveland have been working closely with local artist Jane Riley to enhance an exhibition at the Kirkleatham Museum.

It follows on from a collaboration with the museum to put on a public exhibition at the museum titled Lemon Tops and Lobster Pots – celebrating all that is special about the North Yorkshire coastal area.

The aim of the project was to feature memories collected from people with a special focus on the fishing community, seaside experiences, the unique landscape, and the role of the lifeboat service. Items from the museum’s archives are also included.   

Residents helped to create it using pre-existing or newly acquired skill sets such as DIY painting, craft, crochet, writing or archiving old photographs.

The artwork depicted a typical rowing boat with oars on both sides, prompted by residents’ memories having fun rowing – with small items continually added to remind residents of their experience, making it a useful tool for interaction as well as attractive artwork. Jane said:

Creating artwork like this created a very real link to residents and the planned exhibition and also in the tradition of the story gathering to be taking place so creating a cohesive link with people outside of Kirkleatham’s grounds.  

It also gave a strong incentive to residents to visit the exhibition for inspiration.

A huge thank you to Skelton Court for being so welcoming and to all the people who helped make the artwork, lovely memories and friendships.

David Wood, Community Partnership Manager for Skelton Court care home, said:

It’s been fantastic working with the Kirkleatham Museum and having them support our residents to be creative while participating in reminiscence. 

These kinds of activities really help to keep our residents engaged while creating meaningful experiences which enhance their wellbeing and connection to each other.

Skelton Court care home is a contemporary residential care home, set in luxurious and comfortable surroundings and benefiting from private landscaped gardens. 

Located near Saltburn-by-the-Sea in the market town of Skelton-in-Cleveland, Skelton Court offers first class residential and dementia care for up to 65 residents. To find out more about Skelton Court care home, click here.