Randolph Hill Art Exhibition
Muirfield exhibition highlights raft of artistic talent amongst nursing home residents
An East Lothian art exhibition showcasing the works of Randolph Hill Nursing Homes residents has uncovered some exceptional talent and drawn praise from the local community.
The event, staged at the Gullane-based Muirfield Nursing Home last week, included sketches, oil and watercolour paintings, tapestry, and knitted items all produced by residents from across the nursing homes. The exhibition was led by Muirfield’s Activity Coordinator Tom Davidson, who is himself a practicing artist, and organised by the home’s Manager, Esther Bathgate and Care Standards Manager, Julie Tulloch.
Among those exhibiting works was Muirfield resident Jeanette Callaway, whose tapestry talents were on display. Jeanette developed a passion for art at a young age but later went on to work as a civil servant for many years. She also completed a City and Guilds college qualification focusing on textiles. After nearly giving up her art work, Jeanette was encouraged by Tom to rediscover her passion after she moved to Muirfield in 2022.
She said: “”Exhibiting my art and tapestry has been a dream of mine since childhood, and with the incredible support from Tom and the team at Muirfield, that dream has finally come true. Rediscovering my passion for art has brought a deep sense of joy and purpose back into my life.”
A further stand-out of the exhibition was the Blue Jaguar, a watercolour painting of his former car by another Muirfield resident, Alastair Hardie. “I was very proud of that car and delighted to capture it as a painting with the help of my wife, who had it put on to canvas for the exhibition,” he said.
Some residents come into the garden room for the art classes to sit in the company of others. Tom creates a quiet tranquil space; he plays lovely soothing music, and the environment is calm and inclusive. Residents are all creating different pieces according to their wishes and abilities, including copper techniques. With Tom’s gentle encouragement residents get a real sense of satisfaction, and some come simply to enjoy the chat and the environment.
Following its success, the Muirfield exhibition will soon go on tour to the other six Randolph Hill Nursing Homes in East Central Scotland to enable others to experience and take inspiration from the talents of their fellow residents.
Muirfield Activity Coordinator Tom Davidson said: “The exhibition was not only a success amongst our residents, it also attracted wider praise from across the community with visiting passers-by, including a professional artist, commending the artwork for its exceptional quality. Our residents created a range of innovative and engaging pieces according to their wishes and abilities, which has given them all a real sense of satisfaction.”
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