Middlewich artist paints amazing mural at dementia care home

Dr Helen Jones, a Middlewich-based arts teacher, was contacted by Mount Pleasant Nursing Home in Allostock after they saw examples of her work on social media.

The brief was simple and open ended enough - to create a Namaste area - that Helen was able to use her imagination to create a scene which allows residents to both reflect and feel at peace.

The wall before Helen created the amazing Japanese themed landscape.

Helen explained: "I've got a mural Facebook page set up and they saw that and contacted me.

"Kate Bradley, the Manager, explained how the area they had in mind was used by residents as a living area.

"She told me about the residents and how for some of them it was a case of receiving end of life care, so she wanted something that would give them a sense of peace and serenity.

"She essentially wanted me to paint a scene that would really uplift the residents there, especially with them not being able to have any visitors during the pandemic."

For Helen, who has a Doctorate in the subject and is Head of Art at the Fallibroome Academy in Macclesfield, the challenge would provide her with an opportunity to give something back to the local community.

"I arranged to go for a visit, to see the space for myself," she added.

"I guess it could be described as being rather plain and clinical and having spoken to Kate about it, we did a bit of brainstorming about what could work.

"She didn't have an exact idea so it was a case of talking things through and going from there.

"The fact the living space leads on to the garden, I thought it would be nice if we could bring plants into the mural.

"Then the idea of escapism came into it and I thought about far flung off places and how we could bring some of that sense of travel to them."

Helen adds a couple of finishing touches to her work.

From the there, the idea of having a Japanese theme was born, which evolved to include trees and bird life that are native to that part of the world.

Helen went on: "With it being spring, we also brought in some cherry blossom which we thought would provide people with a sense of new beginnings.

"It was then my idea to create a waterfall as I thought it would bring some serenity and peace.

"The sun can be interpreted as either sunrise or sunset.

"I thought it would take me four days to complete, but I actually managed to finish it in three and a half.

"Art has always been my passion and once you get into the zone, I just wanted to really do it justice for the residents.

"It was just so nice to be able to do something positive, as it has been such a tough year.

"I'm glad to do something for the community and bring a bit of happiness to the residents lives."

Helen took three and a half days to complete the mural.

Unit Manager Kate Bradley said: "We are thrilled with the mural.

"It was a room, lets say, wasn't fulfilling its potential and we are constantly looking at ways in which we can enrich the lives of our residents.

"As a progressive dementia care home, that's conscious of the importance of honouring the spiritual side of our residents care, we wanted to create a Namaste area, that would allow for reflection and peace.

"That is particularly important after the year of covid restrictions and associated stresses.

"I hope this gives an insight into what we are trying to achieve."