Naked man delights care home ladies who wanted a 'nice handsome man' to draw

Ladies living in a care home got their wish to sketch a “nice handsome man” in the buff, as part of a life drawing class organised by care workers.

Art lovers Mollie Wheeldon and Marion Nevil were among the residents at Sherwood Grange care home who made the request for a nude model to help them get in touch with their creative side.

A spokeswoman for Sherwood Grange care home said: ”Residents were asked what kind of model they preferred, and almost unanimously landed on a ‘nice handsome man’. A professional model - more used to working in artists' studios - and meeting the residents’ criteria, was employed for the afternoon”.

Art enthusiasts got to grips with the finer details of drawing the male form during the activity session and were assisted by life drawing tutor Robin Rutherford.

Resident Mollie Wheeldon said: “I spent my life interested in art - painting landscapes and I always wanted to draw from a nude model and never got round to doing it.

"It was a really interesting experience, I think we did our best.”

Residents at the care home, operated by Care UK, have visited France to do sketching and watercolour painting of a lake and several life drawing classes have already taken place at the care home but all involved models with their clothes on.

The care home said a glass of sparkling wine also helped kick-start the latest art activity.

’The group weren’t too distracted’

Marion Nevil said: “I appreciate good art and always found I was looking at books and drawing from them. I was very proud of my drawing as I find the human body a challenge, so this opportunity was a great experience for me.”

Fellow resident Barry Summers said: “I don’t think anybody entering a care home anticipates doing a life drawing class but it was a good atmosphere and the group weren’t too distracted by a male nude, they took it seriously with a good heart and lots of joviality.

“I found it gave me the ammunition to let my mind go free and create.”

Art teacher Robin Rutherford, said: “It was a privilege to work with a group of open minded people keen for new artistic experiences.”

‘No Limits’

Rick Mayne, care home manager at Sherwood Grange, said: “Most people expect life in a care home to be a certain way – but here at Sherwood Grange we’re keen to ensure that there are no limitations and every day can be different and fun.

“Life in our care home is all about helping people to enjoy more independent and fulfilling lives – and today that meant expanding people’s experiences and doing something out of the ordinary.”

The life drawing class took place to mark the end of the festival The Big Draw, sponsored by care provider Care UK, which promotes drawing as a tool for learning, expression and invention.

More than 60 of Care UK’s care homes have taken part including Sherwood Grange which provides residential and dementia care and short-term respite care.

Rick Mayne added: “It’s fair to say we’ve never had a nude model at the home before - but based on the response we may well do again!”

click here for more details or to contact Sherwood Grange