The special exhibition on Valentine’s Day was held at Pilgrim House in Weymouth’s historic Brewer’s Quay, overlooking the picturesque harbour.

Cheriton Care Home resident Gerry with Activities Co-ordinator JoMembers of the public were invited to see a wealth of art made by residents of Agincourt, Trafalgar and Crecy care homes in Weymouth, and Cheriton Care Home in Dorchester. The art on display ranged from stunning self-portraits, to vivid still lifes, surreal dreamscapes, and wonderfully detailed pencil sketches.

One of the featured artists was Anne, a resident of Crecy Care Home in Weymouth, who has been wowing team members and residents alike with her bold, colourful paintings that cover a wide range of styles and themes.

Crecy Care Home resident Anne

Anne had this to say about her approach to painting:

“I have been living with mental health issues for most of my life, through my painting I can express and calm myself. Helping me to de-clutter my mind and focus”.

Anne is joined in her creative talents by fellow Crecy resident Tony, himself a lifelong painter. Tony had a selection of his paintings from throughout his life on display including a recent work of a snow leopard.

Tony added:

‘I’ve done many things in my life but I was taught to paint in my younger years and it’s always made feel good.”

A selection of paintings by Tony

Residents of Cheriton Care Home in Dorchester, Gerry, Kathy and Christopher, came down to see their sketches on display. The three artists were then presented with a bouquet of flowers to mark their achievements.

Cheriton Care Home residents (from left): Gerry, Kathy and Christopher, with Activities Co-ordinator Jo

Kathy said:

“There were lovely paintings and it made for a beautiful event”.

Chris added:

“I enjoyed it – it was very, very interesting”.

The one-day art exhibition was the passion project of Vicky Boursnell-Brooks, Registered Manager of Crecy Care Home.

Having seen first-hand the brilliant paintings from Anne and Tony, Vicky was keen to show their art and those from neighbouring Agincare care homes in Weymouth and Dorchester to the wider public.

Vicky spoke passionately about the exhibition:

“What I wanted to do with this exhibition was to showcase art made by people living in care homes or with mental health issues that often goes unseen by the public.

“Art is often a release for our residents and the people we support at Crecy. It’s a real privilege to immerse yourself in another person’s viewpoint, especially to get a glimpse of how they perceive the world around them. 

“All the artists should be proud of the work they have produced. I was very moved by the art I saw and am delighted that their art was seen by members of the public”.

Agincare is a leading Dorset-based independent care provider founded by Derek Luckhurst who started his first care home, Agincourt in Weymouth, in 1986. For over 35 years the family-owned Agincare has delivered high-quality professional care, establishing itself as one of few companies nationwide that offer a comprehensive range of care services: from live-in care, home care, extra care, supported living to residential care and nursing homes.