Creative showcase for people living with dementia

We were blown away by the quality and range of creations that people with dementia shared with us – from stitching, jewellery making, dressmaking and felting to painting, carving and AI-generated art. 

Some have continued or rediscovered existing skills. Others have learned new ways to express themselves, whether because they wanted to try something new or had to stop something else. 

We hope this selection inspires you as much as it did us! 

Frances Isaacs in Powys:

This is my take on the London Underground map. If you live with dementia, you’ll know what I mean!

Maxine Linnell in Leicestershire:

Here’s one image of some stitching I did to try to show how my brain feels.

George Rook in Shropshire:

I learnt carving and whittling from scratch, but then I got arthritis in my thumb and it was far too painful to continue.

So I started going to a painting group and now I paint instead – you can still learn to do things, it isn’t the end!

Willy Gilder in Lothian, whose self-portrait just won a competition run by the Edinburgh Practice and Alzheimer Scotland:

The painting was done shortly after I was diagnosed, and was a bit confused about things.

Prudence Staveley-Taylor in Hertfordshire:

I like felting and making things, as it requires my attention and stops me thinking about all the difficulties I have.

Pete Middleton in Northamptonshire:

I enjoy creating images using an AI art generator – it does a lot for you, but you have to come up with the seed of an idea!

Jane Buckels in Monmouthshire:

When I gave up the silverwork, I was a bit lost because I’ve always had a creative side.

So I went back to sewing – something that I hadn’t done for a while, but it was well ingrained.

You can also see Gerry King’s wonderful illustrations here.

Your turn 

Are you a person with dementia who creates things? Email pictures to [email protected] and we’ll see how we can help share them in future.