Chawley Grove Care Home in Oxford has unveiled a vibrant, purpose-designed art studio created to place creativity and connection at the heart of dementia care.
Opened with a community celebration on Cumnor Hill, the studio is the latest innovation from Hamberley Care Homes and has been carefully co-designed with residents to meet the cognitive and sensory needs of people living with dementia.
The opening event brought together residents, families, local artists, and dementia professionals for an immersive afternoon of art, connection, and reflection. Highlights included a collaborative memory wall installation, where guests contributed Polaroid photos and handwritten messages to honour personal stories and shared experiences.
Led by Wellbeing Lead Danni Hudson, the studio was developed to support meaningful engagement and self-expression.
“This new space is all about expression, dignity, and inclusion,” Danni explained. “Our aim was to create somewhere residents feel inspired and empowered to explore their creativity, and to share their work with the wider community.”
The first exhibition included artworks by Chawley Grove residents alongside pieces from acclaimed local artist Maria-Emma (XIII Foxx) and guest artist Krystian Deksneit (Dexsior). The collaboration reflects the home’s commitment to nurturing community links and celebrating diverse forms of artistic expression.
Among the invited guests were Hamberley’s Head of Dementia Care, David Moore, and Jean Pryce Williams, a board member of the Oxford Art Society.
David commented:
“The new art room is more than a creative space, it’s a place where residents can truly be themselves. For people living with dementia, art offers freedom, joy, and connection in ways that words sometimes cannot.”
Resident Walter Allen, aged 99, a much-loved member of the Chawley Grove community, was invited to officially open the studio by cutting the ribbon.
The studio has been developed using dementia-friendly design principles, including:
Importantly, residents have played an active role throughout, choosing design themes, shaping the décor, and helping plan future events, reinforcing their sense of ownership and belonging.
Ana Martinez Gonzalez, Clinical Lead at Chawley Grove, highlighted the wider impact:
“Art has a unique way of breaking down barriers. This space supports inclusion by enabling residents to express themselves beyond words.It’s a testament to the vision, collaboration, and dedication of our team.”
The Chawley Grove team now plans to make the studio a hub of community engagement, with intergenerational workshops, local school projects, and seasonal exhibitions already underway.
“Too often, assumptions are made about what people with dementia can or can’t do,” Danni added. “At Chawley Grove, we believe in ability, not limitation, and this space is proof of that belief in action.”
The event concluded with guided tours, refreshments, and thoughtful goody bags, a heartfelt thank-you from the team to everyone who helped bring the vision to life.