Public invited to view Bournemouth artist’s paintings at care home open day

An artist living at a Bournemouth care home will see his paintings go on display this week for a special open day event.

Ivan, who lives at Wickmeads care home in Tuckton, only started painting landscape scenes from across Dorset and Hampshire in his late 70s after retiring, inspired by his wife Vicky’s love of photography. Ivan had previously worked as a builder throughout his career, having helped to create the miniature station at Poole Park Railway, before becoming a lecturer to support the next generation of builders.

Many of Ivan’s paintings will go on display at his care home on Wickmeads Lane this Wednesday 18th June from 2pm to 4.30pm for members of the public to enjoy. The event has been organised as part of the home’s celebrations for Care Home Open Week, which runs from 16 to 22 June 2025.

Ivan’s daughter, Linda, said: “Dad discovered a passion for painting in his late 70s after he retired from the building trade. Ivan’s wife, Vicky, used to enjoy photography and so Dad would create an artist’s impression of her work, using his favourite watercolours, or experimented with acrylics and oils. She was so happy that he would do this, as it felt like a special gift of love.

She added: “Dad’s subjects varied but he liked going to the New Forest and finding ‘chocolate box’ cottages, and landscapes featuring water. You can always tell an original painting of Dad’s as every painting included four birds somewhere within it as his special trademark.”

There is no need to book to view Ivan’s paintings, just turn up on the day. Informal tours of the home are also available at the home’s open day, along with homemade cakes, refreshments and a raffle.

Tracey Walker, Home Manager at Wickmeads, said: “Ivan’s paintings are absolutely stunning so it is a joy to be able to share these with the other residents, their loved ones and members of the local community. At Care South, we love to champion the individual talents, hobbies and interests of our residents, so enabling Ivan to host his own art exhibition during Care Home Open Week felt like the perfect opportunity to celebrate his work.”

click here for more details or to contact Wickmeads