Residents At Care Centre “Think Gifted Painting Is Easel-Y Their Favourite”
In a heartfelt gesture of gratitude, landscape artist Shane McCoubrey has created a stunning painting commissioned for Hayward Care Centre, operated by the Orders of St John Care Trust. The subject of the artwork, titled “Storm Approaching Roundway Down,” was chosen collectively by the residents, and depicts a storm brewing over local landmark, Roundway Down.
The unveiling of “Storm Approaching Roundway Down” took place on Tuesday 16 January at Hayward Care Centre, with residents and team from the care home, friends and family, and community members in attendance. The painting has its permanent position in the heart of the home serving as a lasting tribute to the unwavering care and support provided at the home.
Shane was inspired to create this commission when his friend, Sarah Tyler, shaved her head to raise money for Alzheimer’s Support. Her mother, Enid, was a resident at Hayward Care Centre.
He said: “When I heard about what Sarah was doing, I was blown away! I wanted to create something in memory of Enid, and of my own mother who is living with dementia in a care home.
“I’ve always been into geology and rock formations, and I wanted to highlight the dramatic skies and clouds to give a contrast to the green colours of the Down as it heads down towards the flat of the valley. My work is very different from classical oil paintings, and I used real gold, glass and resin.”
Home Manager, Alison Stenning said of the gift: “It’s a real privilege to have this artwork and we are all very grateful for the generosity Shane has demonstrated with this painting. It’s going to be right in the middle of our home where everyone will be able to see it and admire it every day. We love the fact that we’re able to touch the picture, which will add to residents’ enjoyment of it.”
Sarah Tyler, Shane’s friend, whose mother was the inspiration behind the commission, performed at the unveiling with her band, Mistral. The group are all members of the Devizes Town Band, and their numbers vary depending on members’ availability to meet requests. The set list on this occasion covered all sorts of favourites, including songs from The Sound of Music, and ended with an Abba medley.
“Storm Approaching Roundway Down” was unveiled by Hayward resident, Amedeo, and his daughter, Valerie.
