Bishop’s Stortford Care Home Hosts Auction Of Resident Artwork In Partnership With Sworders Auctioneers

Meadowbrook care home in Bishop’s Stortford hosted a on-site auction of some of the incredible artwork produced by its residents.

Organised in partnership with Sworders Fine Art Auctioneers, the event showcased dozens of hand-crafted pieces including vibrant landscapes, nature-inspired scenes, semi-abstract compositions and wonderfully creative works of ‘folk’ and ‘community’ art as well.

Each piece displayed at the auction represents the unique perspective and life story of the resident, many of whom had never even picked up a paintbrush before joining Meadowbrook. Through regular art sessions, residents learned techniques such as sponging, collage, and stencilling to produce rich, expressive works shaped by decades of lived experience.

The event was a great success, with most of lots being purchased by local buyers. All proceeds from the event, totalling £732, will be donated to Grove Cottage Bishop’s Stortford (Mencap) and local dementia groups to support individuals and families across the community.

Commenting on the event, Meadowbrook’s General Manager Michelle Humphreys said:

“I’m so proud of the events team and our talented community artist, Debbie Miles, for bringing this event together. The work they’ve put into this project been extraordinary, as has the passion and dedication shown by the residents when composing this collection. Learning a new skill is never easy, but seeing them throw themselves wholeheartedly into art has been inspiring. We are also incredibly grateful to the local community for the love and support they’ve shown.”

The initiative began as part of Meadowbrook’s wellbeing programme, with regular art sessions designed to help residents express their creativity and unique life experiences.

The final collection was a vibrant and accessible body of contemporary community art, drawing heavily on Impressionism, Expressionism, and decorative folk traditions. Many residents chose to depict the landscapes and natural beauty of Bishop’s Stortford in works such as The Bluebell Wood, Poppy Fields 2025, and Summer Holidays, while others leaned more into symbolic and decorative themes in works like The Meadow, Autumn Leaves, and Hearts within Herts.

Happily, several of the paintings were even purchased by fellow residents, meaning they will remain a lasting feature on the corridors and bedroom walls of Meadowbrook for years to come. The full digital gallery of resident artworks can be seen here: Meadowbrook, Bishop’s Stortford – Resident Art Auction, Digital Copies (26-03-26)

Michelle Humphreys again: “What we’ve seen through this project is something quite extraordinary. Our residents have taken the opportunity to express themselves creatively and, in doing so, have produced pieces that are both beautiful and deeply personal. Their progress has been nothing short of remarkable – and I for one can’t wait to see what they produce next!”

Such was the quality of the art on display that Meadowbrook is now in talks with a local gallery about hosting a dedicated exhibition later this year. In anticipation of this, many of the residents are already hard at work at their next collection of pieces. Building on this momentum, the home will also soon launch a monthly ‘sip and paint’ community event, inviting local people to come along and develop their artistic skills in a fun and relaxed environment.