Care village residents recreate iconic portraits for National Day of Arts in Care Homes

Residents from a Crewe dementia care village have recreated some of the world’s most iconic paintings to celebrate National Day of Arts in Care Homes.

The recreated works include images from some of history’s most renowned artists spanning 15th century Northern Renaissance to 1930's Modernism including Vincent Van Gogh, Picasso and Grant Wood.

Captured on camera, residents from Belong Crewe became the characters in the iconic portraits which are to be used in a calendar available from 1 November. All profits from the 2021 calendar will go towards the not-for-profit organisation’s fundraising for residents’ activities. The team is aiming to purchase a telescope so residents can enjoy stargazing.

Project lead, Natalie Ravenscroft, experience coordinator at Belong Crewe said: “Many of our residents love art, and keeping everyone active with creative projects is a key part of what we do at Belong.

"Due to the ongoing lockdown restrictions, we wanted to do something extra special for Arts in Care Homes day this year.”

’The make-up tickled my face and felt so relaxing’

Belong staff stepped outside their usual roles to become stylists, make-up artists and photographers, working with residents and using recycled materials, props and face paints, to bring their characters to life.

The subsequent photoshoot, which took eight hours over the course of two days, saw staff capturing their models' alter egos for the project.

Ms Ravenscroft added: “There’s been a real buzz around the village – everyone has been excited to see the final result. Our models really enjoyed getting dressed up, contributing their ideas, and many reminisced about old times from childhood when they used to play dress up or were involved in school plays. It's been a great success.”

For one of the more ambitious photos, Picasso’s ‘Portrait of Dora Marr’, Jean, 85, said: “The make-up tickled my face and felt so relaxing. I can’t remember having my face painted – it looks bright and joyful.”

Another resident, Gillian, 80, spoke of taking on the role of Frida Kahlo and her distinct facial features, saying: “Look at my eyebrows, they are marvellous”.

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