Barnsley gallery showcases art by care home residents

Care home residents displaying their artwork at an exhibition proves “anyone can do anything at any age”, their events organiser said.

Photos by Peter Hardy, 76, and paintings by Patricia Wroe, 89, were unveiled at the Experience Barnsley Museum and Discovery Centre in Barnsley Town Hall on Friday.

Residents and staff from Deansgate Care Home were joined by Barnsley Mayor David Leech and local artist Charlotte Fairclough.

Deansgate events coordinator Rachael Addy said: “It’s not the end of the road when you come into a care home, it’s about embracing a new chapter in your life.”

She said she discovered Ms Wroe’s talent after she “banged her foot” on a bag underneath her bed, and found her artwork inside.

Ms Wroe, who has Parkinson’s disease, said she did not have confidence in her abilities as an artist.

“Rachael said it’s lovely, but I can’t see it,” she said.

Similarly, Mr Hardy – a stroke survivor – said he thought his photography skills were “average”.

“I never recognised I’m good, I’m just an average Joe doing photography, that’s all.”

However, Ms Addy contacted Steven Skelley, community heritage curator at Barnsley Museums, to discuss presenting their work to the public and “show how amazing they are”.

Mr Hardy said it “felt really good” to attend the reveal ceremony, and Ms Wroe said it was “nice to be appreciated”.

Ms Addy said she hoped the exhibition would also help break stereotypes around care homes and those living in them.

“For example, people will automatically look at Pete, bend down, and go ‘Aww, Pete, are you okay, Pete?’

“He’s not an idiot, he’s a very capable, intelligent, intellectual human being that should still be treated in the same manner as everybody else.”

Mr Skelley said: “The museum at its core is about local people, so it is with great delight that we are able to include Patricia and Peter in this new display.

“Peter’s lifelong interest in photography shows that creativity enriches the way we see the world.

“Patricia picking up her paint brushes again in later life has taught us that anyone can be creative – at any time in their lives.”