Bringing a whole new meaning to the idea of an artist-in-residence, a care home resident has been getting creative in Auchterarder.
Gordon Webster, who lives at Balhousie Ruthven Towers, has always had a love of creating art. But since retiring, and especially since moving into the care home in 2017, Gordon has been getting extra creative.
He has produced pieces on canvas, sculptures from clay, and decorated furniture. Gordon, 89 and originally from Glasgow, started painting when he was 14 years old. He would use up old pots of house paint and paint in his dad’s shed. He went on to be manager of an engineering company in Cumbernauld, living in Lenzie then Cupar with his wife Nan and daughter Carole. Gordon and Nan moved to Perth, where Nan still stays, to be beside Carole.
The historic Balhousie Ruthven Towers, a restored former country house hotel with 51 elegant bedrooms including Ochil Suites, a wing dedicated to respite care, is the perfect backdrop to display Gordon’s works. Now his fellow residents, staff and visitors can enjoy his work.
Following a consultation with residents and relatives, Gordon’s next work will be a painting of residents’ favourite bridges.
Says Kirsty Smith, Home Manager at Balhousie Ruthven Towers: “It’s clear Gordon gets so much pleasure from his art, and the fact he can share it with others. We would like to say a big thank you to him for the work he has donated to the home. And here’s to many more of his masterpieces!”
