Forrester Court care home stages exhibition for artistic resident

Home news

May 11, 2016

Rosemary Gregsten is living proof that age is no barrier to creativity. Rosemary, who is 86, has been an artist all her life and is still painting and exhibiting. Her latest exhibition took place on the 18th May, at Forrester Court care home in Paddington, where Rosemary is a resident.

Rosemary went to Hornsey Art School at the age of 16, and later became a full time lecturer at Maidenhead Art School. She regularly produced artwork for posters and cards for Athena, the art retailer. Rosemary also had a big interest in fashion, and worked for fashion designer Teddy Tinling in the 1960s and ‘70s, and reported on the London fashion shows for the magazine press.

Over the years she has turned her hand to painting seascapes, buildings, birdlife, animals and flowers – working mainly in watercolour – as well as producing embroidery. Rosemary exhibited regularly up until five years ago: her last exhibition ‘Where Corals Lie’ showcased pieces inspired by David Attenborough’s work on coral reefs.

Since moving to Forrester Court last May, Rosemary has repurposed her room to make it more of a studio so she has space to work. Jemma Craig-Dressekie, home manager of Forrester Court, says, “The ethos of Care UK, our parent company, is to support residents to continue to be active and independent. Rosemary’s talents are impressive and we’re thrilled to be able to do whatever we can to help her. So when she wanted to exhibit again, we were more than happy to give up wall space and open our doors to the public.”

Although Rosemary prefers to express herself through her art, she is passionate that everyone feels able to take up a paint brush and tries their hand at being creative. “It’s just great to have a go,” she says.

The exhibition proved a great success with lots of attendees from the local community, and staff and residents from the home who were all impressed with the diversity and skill of Rosemary’s work. A select group of children, aged 9-11, were also invited along from Our Lady of Dolours school. Young artists themselves, they were all inspired by Rosemary’s talent and enthusiasm for the art world.