Erskine, in partnership with creative organisation Luminate, recently launched the Erskine Sculpture Trail in the grounds of the Erskine Veterans Village in Bishopton.

The trail consists of 10 sculptures, created by Artists in Residence Gill White and James Winnett in collaboration with Erskine residents. Nestled among the trees in the tranquil surroundings of the Erskine Estate, the Sculpture Trail is testament to the creativity and joy residents experienced working alongside the artists to create a lasting display. The sculptures draw on nature, and the memories and stories of the Erskine residents, to create an interactive experience.

The Luminate project was devised with the aim of engaging with residents in new ways and to bring artistic talents to the fore. Luminate and Erskine have worked together since 2017, originally as part of a programme called Unforgotten Forces, a partnership of 16 charities supporting older veterans across Scotland.  James and Gill were the first resident artists and worked closely with Erskine residents on a wide range of creative activities, from photography to poetry and from soundscapes to painting. Although interrupted by the pandemic, they returned to Erskine in summer 2021 to complete the art trail project.

Creative activities, such as those Gill and James brought to Erskine, play a valuable role in residents’ care. Those taking part revelled in the true sense of accomplishment that these new pursuits brought them.

Derek Barron, Director of Care at Erskine, said: “Today’s unveiling of the Erskine Sculpture Trail reminds us of the many happy hours our residents, from all four of our homes, experienced during their time spent with our very first Artists in Residence, Gill and James. Our residents all have different abilities and live with things that impact on those, whether that is living with dementia, reduced mobility or loss of independence or confidence.  Erskine always had an extensive programme of social and recreational activities to support residents’ well-being, however we did not have the expertise on art and artistic expression that Gill, and James provided. Working with Luminate, Gill and James has brought such a full and colourful range of artistic activities to Erskine which our residents love.

Anne Gallacher, Director of Luminate said: “Collaborating with Erskine residents and staff has been a joyful experience not only for artists Gill White and James Winnett, but for all of us at Luminate. The stories, experiences and creativity shared by everyone who has been part of the project have been inspiring.  There is growing evidence of the positive impact of the arts and creativity as we age, and Luminate’s work across Scotland shows the important contribution that professional artists can make to the quality of life and wellbeing of older people.  The sculpture trail at Erskine is a wonderful example of the creativity that can be sparked when artists and care home communities come together.”

Artist in Residence Gill White said: “James Winnett and I created 'Art Adventures in Nature' which celebrates the world around us by nurturing playful exploration and creativity in the great outdoors. We proposed the idea of creating a sculpture trail in the woodland to encourage a place where residents, staff and locals can meet, be active and explore different artworks embedded in the natural landscape.   

“It was a real pleasure to spend time with each resident learning about their lives and adapting each workshop to their interests with emphasis of creating a relaxed fun environment to learn new processes and embrace the explorative nature of creativity. We had lots of fun together and I found my time spent with Erskine residents, relatives and staff a very happy and rewarding experience both personally and creatively.”

To find out more about Erskine’s work please visit our website at erskine.org.uk, follow on twitter @ErskineCharity via Facebook www.facebook.com/ErskineVeteransCharity or listen to Erskine Veterans Radio at Erskine.org.uk/radio. To donate visit Erskine.org.uk/donate

To find out more about Luminate’s work please visit our website on Website: luminatescotland.org, follow on Facebook: @LuminateScotland Twitter: @LuminateScot