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Stunning photo exhibition challenges views on older people
Dramatic, Hollywood-style photographs of residents at a Tunbridge Wells care home will take centre stage in an exhibition at the town’s Assembly Hall Theatre this month which challenges people to think about the elderly in our community in a new light.
Cinematic style showcases character
The dramatic black-and-white images were taken at Rusthall Lodge Care Home as part of a series of events across the year to celebrate its 50th anniversary. They showcase the residents in a style reminiscent of the studio portraits seen in the golden age of Hollywood in the early-mid 20th century – a style recalled fondly by the residents during a reminiscence session.
The images were taken by photographer David Bartholomew, whose mother is a resident at Rusthall Lodge. ‘Shooting in the studio style of the golden Hollywood era really shows the different characters of the residents. Some are playful, some stern, some thoughtful, but they are all arresting. I hope the display will make people stop and look and wonder about the people behind the images and make them see older members of the Tunbridge Wells community in a new light,’ he explained.
‘Putting a spotlight on our residents in this way highlights their characters and their lives,’ added Bill Blackford, Facilities & Marketing Manager at Rusthall Lodge Care Home. ‘It challenges viewers to think about the older members of our community in a new, more rounded way, which is what we really want to achieve.’
Our 50th Anniversary
The one-day exhibition on 20th October is one of a series of special events being held throughout the year to create fun and memories for the residents, in celebration of the 50th anniversary of Rusthall Lodge as an independent care home run on a charitable ethos.
It takes place on the same date that the Bootleg Beatles will be performing in concert at the Assembly Hall. Bill Blackford added, “We’re delighted with the timing. The Bootleg Beatles are an ideal fit for our photo exhibition. 1968 was the year that Rusthall Lodge was converted from a private residence into a care home; the same year that the Beatles stayed at number one in the album charts until February with Sgt Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band and released The White Album later in the year.’
Enhancing the Theatrical Experience
Antony Pickthall, sales and marketing director at the Assembly Hall Theatre commented: ‘As a key cultural venue in Tunbridge Wells, Assembly Hall Theatre is always looking for opportunities to enhance the experience of our audiences. Many of those attending The Bootleg Beatles concert will have parents of a similar age to the residents of Rusthall Lodge, so this exhibition will resonate with them.’
Bethan Minter, creative learning manager at the Assembly Hall Theatre said: ‘This exhibit is a great example of artists using their skills to brighten the lives of those around them. At Assembly Hall we’re enthusiastic about engaging with the community around us; bringing our community into the heart of our building and celebrating local creativity.’
On the Shoulders of Giants!
The cinema played a huge part in the lives of our residents and was reflected in the reminiscence session that sowed the seed for our exhibition. When the portraits leave the Assembly Hall Theatre, they will return to Rusthall Lodge. We have a number of other terrific photographs to put on display of residents who would not or could not give their consent for them to be shown publicly.
This is an ideal opportunity to reflect that all are activities are for everyone. We are an all-inclusive home that celebrates dignity and respect. If you would like to come and view the photographs, please contact us on our main Home number - 01892 556500. We'd be delighted to welcome you.
Written on 16th October 2018