Freda turns her memories into art
Freda Davidson, a resident at Ladywood Care Home in Kirk Hallam, visited Erewash Museum recently to showcase her artwork and talk about her life with local artist Dawn Turner.
95 year old Freda had been struggling to participate in Dawn’s group workshops due to her failing eyesight so the pair spent time on a one-to-one basis discussing Freda’s extremely varied and interesting career working on cranes, making parts for gun turrets and learning the art of reading engineering blue prints.
Freda shared many of her memories of working at the Baker Perkins factory in Peterborough during wartime Britain, and together they created some pieces of artwork to share her story. These will be displayed at Ladywood Care Home for Freda and others to enjoy.
Lead Member for Culture and Leisure, Councillor Mike Wallis, said:
“It is fascinating to see the art Freda has created that obviously holds a lot of dear memories of her past. It is good to see the work of the Arts Development team and local artists helping to ignite artistic talent as well as looking after residents’ wellbeing.”
The project was made possible thanks to the Big Kirk Hallam funding secured by Erewash Borough Council Arts Development team, specifically to develop and run creative activities for over 50s at risk of or experiencing social isolation and/or loneliness.
Photo: Left to right – Artist Dawn Turner, local resident Freda Davidson, HC One Wellbeing Co-ordinator Michael Redgate
