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Last week, ‘Re-Imagine’ – an exhibition of arts and crafts created by the Chelsea Pensioners held in Wren House – highlighted the exceptional range of talent here at the Royal Hospital.  

From stunning nature photography to quirky pottery pieces, intricate model aircraft to powerful paintings and 3D collages, the contributions demonstrated the Royal Hospital’s commitment to enabling an active, productive and fulfilling retirement.

Organised by our artist in residence Grace Holliday, and supported by pottery tutor Emily Chilvers, Activities and Volunteer Manager Elly Bourdillon-Miller and Julie Bailey from the activities team, the exhibition showcased the skill and dedication of our veterans. Some welcome the opportunity to absorb themselves in new hobbies, whilst others have rediscovered interests they enjoyed in their younger years.

Promoting happiness and healing

Tony Wadey, who served in the Royal Army Medical Corps, contributed models, pottery and paintings to the show – including his striking, acrylic “Eye of the Tiger”. He says that focusing on a creative activity is therapeutic and relaxing. His plans for future projects include a pottery chess set themed around the Battle of Waterloo. 

David Hinds, who served in the Army for 24 years, was left with PTSD after difficult experiences in Northern Ireland. He says that art has played a transformative role in his recovery:

“When I paint or draw and see my work, the PTSD and depression just goes out the window and I feel so at peace with myself. I don’t think about anything else.

All the suffering over the years – goes from the brain to the heart to the hand to the canvas. I would say to everyone to do it, to give it a go.”

David is particularly inspired by nature and contributed some beautiful collages featuring leaves and flowers to the exhibition, as well as some arresting portraits. His sketchbook gave a fascinating insight into the way he works. 

Another keen Pensioner painter, former Life Guard Roger Hall, was delighted at the response to his work:

"It was both a surprise and a real pleasure to show and then receive back such positive feedback.

I am still surprised at the reactions and emotions that art can bring in myself, but then to get it from others when viewing my works has really lifted me and boosted my confidence, so as to pursue my own artistic journey further.”

The pleasures of pottery

The pottery table was very popular with visitors. A number of pieces celebrated the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee – including Ray Pearson’s professional-looking plate featuring the assay marking the occasion. He also contributed Chelsea Pensioner-themed mobile phone holders mimicking their iconic Scarlet uniforms. 

Another keen potter, Alan Rutter, uses found objects – such as glass bottles – in his works, which include a magnificent hare and green-glazed fish; while Ron Bicheno contributed a beautiful angel in memory of his wife. Other pieces incorporated everything from leaves to light bulbs! Much-loved tutor Emily says she is very proud of the pieces her pupils have produced:

“The pottery group is such a wonderful outlet for the Chelsea Pensioners, both socially and creatively. We have a lot of fun together and always welcome newcomers.

The beauty is the pottery - or whatever medium you choose - starts in the same way for everyone – but to see the variety of work made at this exhibition shows how diverse and expressive we all have the ability to be.”

Celebrating creativity

The exhibition was a great success. Grace was delighted to have an opportunity to share the Chelsea Pensioners’ work with the wider Royal Hospital community and to celebrate their achievements:

“It truly is a privilege for me to work with the ‘Scarlet artists’ each week and to collaborate with such a brilliant team. Seeing how the Pensioners take on my briefs and instructions in mixed media making and completely transform them constantly inspires me. I am often moved by the depths of the Pensioners’ insight and approach to creating unique works that feel really meaningful on so many levels.

The Re-Imagine Exhibition was the perfect showcase for the arts programme, presenting a powerful body of work made throughout a pandemic and beyond.”

The veterans benefited in a number of ways, as Activities Manager Elly explains:

“Grace really involved the Pensioners in every stage of the process; not just creating the work but helping to organise the exhibition, plan it, set it up, and be present throughout while it was on. This taught them about a whole new side to art and exhibiting and made them feel really empowered and part of a team.”

David’s thoughts on the exhibition, and what it meant to him to see his work on display, reflect just what an impact this opportunity had on the Chelsea Pensioner artists:

“Having my work in the exhibition feels exciting and exhilarating. I’m very critical of my work – but now I’m elated at people seeing it. If we could do this every year it would be wonderful. People are interested in what we do and they can see it now. It really is quite an emotional experience.”