Artwork Inspired by Dementia Residents

Art & Design students at Derby College’s Joseph Wright campus have created a tactile art installation featuring iconic figures over the decades to help stimulate conversation amongst residents with dementia in a local care home.

The train, inspired by the Mallard locomotive, features well known stars from the Thirties to Eighties ranging from Humphrey Bogart to Princess Diana.  It will now take pride of place at Cedar Court care home in Bretby, owned by Swadlincote-based Your Health Ltd.

The students have also painted a collection of calming landscapes which will be hung at Youth Health’s seven care homes across the UK.

The work is part of the enrichment programme for the level two Art & Design students – designed to increase their employability skills with employer-focused projects that they can highlight on their CVs.

Your Health Managing Director Vicki Weller explained: “We have worked with Derby College both on staff training and art projects over the years.

“Previous students have been involved in reminiscence arts projects which are still in place at Cedar Court in Swadlincote and help people with dementia to communicate better and are a stimulus to talk more about their lives.

“The students have done a fantastic job on the artwork.  They have really researched the colours and scenery that will evoke memories for people with dementia and we are delighted with the results.”

Art and Design Lecturer Pete Gardner added: “The artwork is the result of several months’ hard work by the students and we are extremely proud of their work.

“The students gain a great deal from working on commissions such as this – taking a brief from the client and producing artwork for a specific purpose.”

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Media enquiries:

Sarah Jenkin-Jones, PR Officer, Derby College, Tel: 07951 945 665; [email protected]

Picture shows, left to right: Derby College Art & Design students with representatives from Your Health Ltd.