Edgbaston care home residents’ wish to visit museum fulfilled

A care home in Edgbaston surprised two art-loving residents with a special visit to one of Birmingham’s most iconic cultural landmarks.

Residents Judith Taylor and John Lovesey, who both live at Care UK’s Edgbaston Manor on Speedwell Road, enjoyed a trip to Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery to reconnect with their passion for art and explore the city’s rich cultural heritage.

Former science teacher John, 87 has always enjoyed painting and continues to share his love of art with others during creative activities at the home.

John said: “I painted not for others but for myself and the happiness it brought me.”

Judith, a keen art enthusiast, regularly visited London’s National Gallery as she was growing up and has long shared her appreciation for art and history with friends and family. 

The 87-year-old added: “The love I have for art and history is unmatched.”

Despite being born and raised in Birmingham, neither Judith nor John had ever visited Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery. So, when the team at Edgbaston Manor discovered their desire to visit, they set about making their lifelong wish a reality.

Working with the museum team, they arranged a private tour to make the visit extra special. 

On the day, they were greeted by Saoirse, who took them around the galleries and exhibitions. As they explored, Judith and John shared stories from their past and asked plenty of questions about the museum’s history and collections.

John said: “It was great to see the lovely paintings and get a private tour I felt very special.

Rosie Barker, Head of Curatorial & Participation, said: “We were delighted to welcome Judith and John and to make their first visit to the museum such a special one. Our collections belong to everyone in Birmingham, and we love hearing from people who have discovered us for the first time, at any stage in life. Museums are wonderful places to connect with others experiences, discover something new, enjoy art and history, or simply take time out and wander and we know they can make a real difference to our wellbeing.”

The visit was made possible thanks to Care UK’s Wishing Tree initiative, which encourages residents to suggest ideas for new hobbies they’d like to try, places they’d like to visit or even activities linked to past careers. From flying a plane to enjoying a fish and chip supper, no wish is too big or small for the team to try to grant.

Zoe Steventon, Home Manager at Edgbaston Manor, said: “Both Judith and John often talk about their love of all things art at the home! They are also both regulars at our arts-and-crafts sessions, sharing their tips with other residents.

“We always encourage residents to follow their passions, so when they expressed their wish to visit Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery, we knew we had to make it happen. Seeing their faces light up as they explored the exhibitions was truly special.

“A huge thank you goes to the team at Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery for arranging such a wonderful experience, and to our amazing team at Edgbaston Manor for making the day one to remember.”

Edgbaston Manor has been designed to deliver the very best standards of care and enable residents to lead active and fulfilling lives, while also promoting independence. The home provides full-time residential, dementia and nursing care, as well as short-term respite care, and has been configured into a series of neighbourhoods to facilitate the creation of close-knit communities and encourage social interaction among the residents. There is also plenty of space – both indoors and out – for relaxation and recreation.