Maldon painter opens a gallery at his care home

Charles Tame, who has been painting for nearly six decades, has been busy capturing dogs and his fellow residents on canvas since he moved to Down Hall Residential Care Home in Bradwell-on-Sea last year.

Artist - Charles Tame working on his oil painting (Image: Down Hall Residential Care Home)

The 88-year-old painter, who worked with the maintenance team at Southend Airport for 14 years, said: "Painting makes me feel alive and gives me somewhere to escape to in my mind.

"I work from photographs and memory, which helps to overcome the issue of wriggling pets - and impatient humans!"

Pet - Charles has also painted French bulldog King, who belongs to the home's activities coordinator Louise Simon (Image: Down Hall Residential Care Home)

Down Hall manager Karen Johnson hit upon the idea of creating a mini gallery in the home's function room, especially for Charles' work.

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She said: "He was painting so many pictures, his room was at risk of being overrun with his works of art.

"We also thought it would be wonderful to enable all the residents and their families to enjoy the paintings too.

"Art is often very therapeutic and mindful for the artist and provides stimulation and interest.

"But of course, it is also there for viewers to enjoy. 

"The residents and visitors are all very interested in Charles' paintings.

"It is definitely a topic of conversation."

Portrait - Charles with care home resident (Image: Down Hall Residential Care Home)

Among the 100-plus oil paintings he has created is one featuring Karen's two beloved shitzus, Tilly and Teddy, who spend much of their day being cuddled by some of Down Hall's 38 residents.

"I was flabbergasted when he presented it to me," said Karen.

"It was a lovely surprise, and takes pride of place in my house."

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It is not just four-legged companions who inspire Charles.

He also paints his fellow residents, with 83-year-old Squibs Collins and 100-year-old Betty Harding among his muses.Paintings - 88-year-old artist with pets and care home workers (Image: Down Hall Residential Care Home)

Charles is currently hard at work capturing the autumn beauty of a cottage, inspired by a photo of an ivy-clad building in a tranquil river valley in Wales.

He added: "I feel very proud that so many people have taken an interest in my paintings."