Townend Close care home residents’ painting on online art gallery

Paintings created by residents from Townend Close care home in Keighley are showcasing online as part of National Day of Arts in Care Homes today.

Two older people from Anchor’s Townend Close care home in Victoria Road were thrilled to be told their artwork had been selected for the online gallery which is focusing on how arts has been used to keep care settings connected during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The artwork created by Ann Wiseman, 82, and Margaret Maudsley, 95, were chosen to be featured on Anchor’s and the Art in Care Homes Day websites.

Ann, who has lived at Townend Close for more than two years, said she was pleased her watercolour of an owl was chosen for the gallery.

She said: “I like being creative and enjoy doing paintings because I like to see the end products. It’s very rewarding. I chose to paint an owl because they are my favourite bird.

“I’ve been doing artwork since I went to night school more than 40 years ago. I previously had a magazine rack photographed for an exhibition.”

Fellow resident Margaret said she was really happy to have her artwork, called Life Is Better With Friends, selected, especially as this was the first time any of her creations had been displayed publicly. 

She said: “I used to paint as a child but I haven’t done so since moving into Townend Close. 

“I chose the topic of friendship because I’ve been fortunate to have a lot of friends throughout my life. Friendship is important for everyone and is particularly significant now because of the coronavirus. 

“I enjoy painting but my passion is embroidery, which I found relaxing and satisfying to see the finished item.

I used to make table clothes, napkins and pictures to display around my home. Friends used to comment on how beautiful they were.” 

Residents and staff from the home took part in the national celebration day by organising a variety of activities.

They joined more than 30 of Anchor’s care homes across England for an art-themed quiz on Zoom so that residents in the homes around the country could compete against each other.

There was also a live Indian dancing demonstration broadcast to the care homes online as part of the day. Residents were encouraged to take part in the chair-based dance exercises run by Bisakha Sarker, Chaturangan’s the artistic director, who was awarded an MBE in 2014 for services to Indian dance. 

Diane Armstrong, Anchor’s Wellness Advisor, said: “We are so happy to take part in the National Day of Arts in Care Homes as it builds on the many creative activities we already organise in our 114 care homes across England. 

“Art is a wonderful way for residents to express their feelings, show off their artistic flare and for others to appreciate the talents of the older people living in our care homes.”

The online gallery of older people’s artwork can be viewed here:

For more information on Anchor’s Townend Close, contact 0800 731 2020.