Care home resident with dementia visits Bournemouth university art studios

A resident at Upton Bay care home in Hamworthy has fulfilled a long-held wish to reconnect with the world of art and education.

Julia, who lives with dementia and is a former university lecturer in History of Art, recently visited Arts University Bournemouth (AUB) for a personal tour of its art facilities.

Her visit was organised by Karen, the care home’s Activities Lead, and supported by AUB’s Tom Marshall, who welcomed Julia and guided her through several departments.

During her visit, Julia explored the Columbian Print and Albion Press Room, where two historic printing presses from 1883 are still in use today.

She also visited the Fine Arts Studio, where Dr Richard Waring introduced her to third-year students preparing work for their degree submissions.

Julia spent time speaking with the students, viewing their paintings, and sharing her thoughts on the artwork.

She also toured the university’s artificial intelligence department.

Julia taught at Birmingham University and the Open University before her retirement, and her husband said, “It was wonderful to see Julia becoming so animated again, which we haven’t witnessed for years.”

Karen from Upton Bay said, “It was a pleasure to give Julia such an inspiring and fulfilling wish, organising something that meant so much to her.”


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