Greenacres care home in Meltham, has recently welcomed popular Huddersfield-born artist, Betty Thornton.
Betty (93) began her journey as an artist at the end of WWII, attending art school as a teenager. She went on to achieve a Diploma in Arts and Crafts, and got a job as a tracer in a drawing office – but she didn’t stop there.
Betty started teaching art, and putting her own work on display. People soon began to admire Betty’s creations, buying them as far as Australia and the USA.
She used her talents to teach her local community, becoming a tutor for Co-operative Art Classes in Huddersfield in 1979.
The nonagenarian is also proud Life Member of the Huddersfield Art Society, and even held the role of President in the past.
A life-long lover of art, Betty still regularly creates and sells new artwork, and has now been teaching art to adults for over 30 years. She said;
‘I have been so well looked after at Greenacres, and I have been able to concentrate on my art. I have completed six paintings whilst I have been here which is wonderful, and more than I would have done at home!’
Appreciative of the care team at Greenacres, Betty generously gifted one of the paintings to the home. It will be displayed for residents, staff and visitors to enjoy.
Nicola Wrigley, the Lifestyle Manager at Greenacres, said,
‘It has been lovely to see Betty so engrossed in her work. I have been lucky enough to see her start and finish the painting that she has given the home, and it means so much to us. Thank you, Betty!’
Betty’s work can still be seen in an exhibition at Huddersfield Parish Church until November 2022.
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Greenacres is a purpose-built luxury residential and dementia care home operated by Ideal Carehomes. With 64 ensuite bedrooms, Greenacres provides person-centred care and varied activities programme. Greenacres is proud to be rated as ‘Good’ by the Care Quality Commission.