Care Home Celebrates Army Veteran’s Artwork With Exhibition

Paintings and sketches by a former soldier have been displayed at a care home in High Wycombe.

Over 60 pieces of art by Michael Mossop were put on show in the reception area at Royal Star & Garter, where he now lives.

They included works he had created before moving to Royal Star & Garter, as well as artwork the 94-year-old has painted at the Home.

Michael, who is now living with dementia, joined the Army in 1951, and served for 31 years, rising to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.

He took up painting and sketching soon after retirement, around 40 years ago. Staff have encouraged Michael to continue with his hobby since he moved to Royal Star & Garter in February 2021. He also enjoys taking part in arts & crafts activities put on by the Home’s dedicated Wellbeing Team.

Natalie is one of the Wellbeing Coordinators at the Home and helped arrange the exhibition. She said: “Michael is a really good artist, and he loves painting and joining in with our arts activities. Other residents, staff and visitors were really impressed with his work. We know that participating in arts and crafts activities and old hobbies and pastimes can improve overall wellbeing and quality of life for older people, and people living with dementia. That’s why it’s such an important part of the care we provide at Royal Star & Garter.”

Earlier this year Michael received the Nuclear Test Medal in recognition of his time with the Army on Christmas Island in 1959, shortly after hydrogen bomb tests had taken place there.