Etching to go! Care home residents enjoy surprise trip to see their favourite artist’s work

Residents at a local care home were surprised to find themselves amongst the paintings they have admired since their early twenties. 

Lilian Guild, aged 93, who often visits Care UK’s Tennyson Grange, on Westmead Road, for respite care, was delighted when she was told by team members that she would be visiting David Hockney’s Immersive Art Exhibition, ‘Bigger & Closer’.

The exhibition, which is on at The Lightroom in King’s Cross, London, showcases Hockney’s famous paintings using digital technology which allows visitors to immerse themselves within his work which is projected onto the walls, ceilings and floor. 

Lilian has admired Hockney’s work since she was in her twenties when she first experienced his work at an exhibition in Canada, nearly 50 years ago. Fond of his mark-making techniques and iconic brush strokes, Lilian commented: “I could stay the whole night and watch the show over and over again – it was just wonderful!”

Joining Lilian was residents Christine Etherden, Patricia Cox and Carole Haines form Tennyson Grange, who are also admirers of Hockney’s work, joined Lilian for the special trip. Fellow artist, Christine, who has had a book of Hockney’s work on her coffee table for many years, added: “I really enjoyed how the images moved across the walls. It left me speechless – it is so different.”

 

Rick Mayne, General Manager at Tennyson Grange, said: “With London on our doorstep, it is absolutely wonderful to be able to take residents to places and exhibitions of national interest and create new memorable experiences.

“There are many residents at Tennyson Grange who are no strangers to a paintbrush or pencil, with many rooms around the home showcasing their creative work. With Hockney being such an inspiration, and with many of the residents growing up with his work, we knew we had to arrange a trip to the latest exhibition of his wonderful work.

“Everyone had a great afternoon immersing themselves in Hockney’s work and marvelling at the wonders of modern technology which now offers new ways to experience famous pieces of art. We look forward to planning more trips like this soon for the residents to enjoy.”

Designed to enable residents to live active and fulfilled lives, while also promoting independence,Tennyson Grange, incorporates space for hobby and leisure activities. The layout of the home has been configured to help facilitate the creation of close-knit communities and encourage social interaction among the residents.

To find out more about Tennyson Grange, please contact Home Admissions Advisor, Francois Erwee on 020 3797 2375, or email francois.erwee@careuk.com, or visit: careuk.com/tennyson-grange