Carer discovers passion for poetry and sufferer delights in singing in dementia project at Dulwich Picture Gallery

A man who cares for his wife with early stage dementia has discovered an invigorating interest in poetry and observed positive improvements in the quality of life for his spouse after being inspired by old master paintings at Dulwich Picture Gallery.

John Wade (71) from Shirley, Surrey, began writing poetry after attending Visual to Vocal with his wife Brenda Wade (70) who was diagnosed with Alzheimers in 2011. The couple are part of a group of 20 participants who, led by a composer and lyricist from English Touring Opera, have been writing music inspired by different paintings at Dulwich Picture Gallery over the course of eight weeks. John, who has never written poetry before, has now written four poems inspired by paintings such as Nymphs by a Fountain (read John’s poetry here).

‘Visual to Vocal’ is a programme of workshops for people with dementia and those who care for them. It does not focus on memory loss, but rather what can be gained through looking at paintings, interpreting them through creative writing and forming the words into songs. The project is intergenerational – bringing together young musicians from Dulwich College and the Royal College of Music. It concludes with a live performance at the Gallery on 12 December 2013.

The project, which is now in its second year, confronts stigma and misconceptions associated with dementia; including the myth that people with dementia cannot be creative. It gives people like Brenda and her carer and husband, John, the opportunity to meet others and be involved in a professional creative process.

The project has had great benefit for Brenda’s quality of life. She said:

“The group is so easy to be with because everyone’s heart is in it. It helps us open up. John and I have very different interests so it’s been great coming to something that we can both enjoy.­­ When you first hear that you have Alzheimer’s, it’s a terrible thing.  I felt very down, but music makes me feel better. I’ve always been part of a choir and I love to sing so I look forward to coming to the workshops at Dulwich Picture Gallery.”

John said:

“The accumulation of viewing a painting, then extracting elements and formulating lyrics unleashes creativity. I started writing poetry which I have never done before after we were thinking of words to put to music in one of the earlier sessions- I just took the words further at home!”

There is currently no formal research into the benefits of combining both art and music for the wellbeing of people with dementia. Professor Paul Camic from Canterbury Christ Church University is conducting an evaluation of the project this year and said:

“People with dementia are often expected not to learn new things. One thing we are noticing whilst observing Visual to Vocal, is that the participants are actually able to recall melodies and words, and be engaged in a very complex process. We know that art and music has a big impact on the quality of life for people with dementia, but combining both has potential for even bigger impact. Visual to Vocal is challenging isolation, by providing a welcoming environment for social engagement.”

Visual to Vocal forms part of Dulwich’s esteemed Good Times: Art for Older People programme, which has a reputation for excellence in ground-breaking initiatives that push the boundaries of what galleries and museums can achieve. In 2011 the Royal Society of Public Health presented Dulwich Picture Gallery with an Arts and Health Award for achievement in this work of enhancing lives through art.

 - Ends

John and Brenda Wade are available for interview.
Professor Paul Camic is available for comment.

For further information and interview requests, please contact Louisa Bee, Press Officer
l.bee@dulwichpicturegallery.org.uk / 020 8299 8710

Notes to Editors: