Showcase

Chiltern's End Greys Road, Henley RG9 1QR

The Residential Home

Chlitern’s End Residential Home in Henley is run by The Orders of St John Care Trust and is set in the outskirts of Henley. The home has 46 residents and also offers a day care facility.

The brief

To have as much input from residents as possible
To stimulate thought
To fulfil some of the residents wishes as a result of the residency

The work

Artist Rose Gorman worked with small groups of residents to make a silk wall hanging of a Wishes Tree. Ribbons can be threaded through some of the branches to include residents wishes, and this is very much a usable work of art. At first the main challenge was one of confidence as many participants felt they “couldn’t do silk painting”. They gained more confidence in their abilities as the residency progressed and enjoyed working collaboratively. The workshops became an opportunity for them to get to know each other much better, as well as offering a real sense of achievement. The local press was involved in the unveiling of the artwork and its display in the foyer of the home.