Our 96-year-old resident has been inspired by the Brentwood Art Trail that takes place in Brentwood throughout June. Thomas Richardson took part in the annual celebration of creativity, along with other talented artists from the area.

Thomas has always been resourceful with his artwork and when faced with limited materials during the war, he repurposed his father’s garden fence panels to create wooden sculptures, much to his father’s initial dismay.

He utilised any available materials he could find, including glass from ruins to sketch on when paper was scarce. His passion for art extended beyond his personal work, as he taught children how to draw, despite not being an art teacher by profession.

Thomas’ most cherished creation is a wooden chain meticulously crafted from a single piece of wood. His passion lies in creating gifts for others however: “I like to make gifts for others, like wooden planes and boats. I once made over 100 wooden pencil boxes for school children and inscribed every child’s individual name on each one.”

Our home manager Cristina Duran is incredibly proud of Thomas’ passion and talent and said, “Thomas has a real ability to create beautiful art and that’s what the Brentwood Art Trail is all about. His story is a testament that you’re never too old to pursue your passion and we hope that his participation in the art trail will inspire others.”

The Brentwood Art Trail invites art enthusiasts, community members, and visitors to discover the incredible artwork of Thomas and other talented local artists. The event aims to foster a deeper appreciation for the arts and encourage support for the artistic community.

For more information on our beautiful care home, please don’t hesitate to get in touch by calling 01753 890134 or emailing enquiries@austenwoodcarehome.co.uk.