The 91-year-old has been a resident at Down Hall Residential Care Home since September 2022 and during that time has been a prolific painter, filling the mini gallery – which the care home created for him in the function room – with more than 100 oil paintings.
Down Hall is a 36-bed care home situated close to the north eastern corner of the Dengie peninsula in the district of Maldon. The team provide residential, dementia, and end-of-life care.
Charles, known as Charlie, has not “felt in the right mindset” for painting as he has experienced ill health this year.
In an effort to boost his mood and encourage him to continue his favourite pastime, the care home organised for him to attend the North Fambridge Art Group. In 2005, the painter was one of the founding members of the art group.
“I helped to start the group as I wanted somewhere to meet with likeminded people and paint,” said Charlie, who worked with the maintenance team at Southend Airport for 14 years.
“I was a member for 17 years and loved my time there, but after my wife died in 2022 I lost interest.”
The art group meets monthly in the North Fambridge Village Hall in Chelmsford.
“Going back reminded me of everything I enjoyed about being part of the art group,” he continued.
“Meeting new people, chatting to old friends, starting a project and getting to complete it, and helping others with their paintings.
“It was lovely to see old faces and meet new people. I have always loved to draw and paint since I was a child, and getting to talk about art with others who share my passion was a real tonic!”
Down Hall activities organiser Louise Simon accompanied Charles on his visit to the art group. She said: “Charlie is such a talented painter, and a big character at the home, we really wanted to help him to find the joy in painting once again.
“The art group members made a real fuss of him and organised afternoon tea to mark his return. It was wonderful to see him chatting to fellow artists.
“We took some of Charlie’s paintings with us to show the group, and some of the members asked him for advice on their projects. Painting has always been a therapeutic pastime for Charlie, it’s a very mindful activity that relaxes him, while also stimulating his interest. It’s lovely to see him regain that pleasure.”
Charlie is looking forward to his next visit to the art group and has already decided on his first project, a re-creation of one of his old paintings.
5. Contributed
Charlie showcases his art work Photo: Submitted