Myrna, who lives at Marjorie House in Lilliput, a care home run by not-for-profit charity Care South, visited the Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum as part of the organisation’s Make a Wish initiative. The programme encourages residents to share interests and passions they once enjoyed, with care teams helping to bring those wishes to life.
Accompanied by four fellow residents and members of the Marjorie House team, Myrna toured the museum before locating a watercolour painting by her father, artist Eustace Nash. The artwork, titled The Darkened Bus Station, depicts the interior of Bournemouth’s former bus station on Exeter Road.
A plaque beside the painting explains that it was exhibited during the War Artists and Bournemouth Arts Club exhibition in 1940, which attracted around 4,000 visitors despite wartime blackout restrictions and limited opening hours.
The visit proved especially meaningful for Myrna, who has strong memories of watching her father paint. At the end of the tour, museum staff spoke with her about her father’s work and presented her with a printed copy of the painting, which she has since taken back to Marjorie House to display.
Myrna said the visit brought back fond memories of her father and described the experience as deeply moving. She also expressed gratitude to the Russell-Cotes team for gifting her a print of the artwork, which she had never previously owned.
Georgie Powell, Home Manager at Marjorie House, said the visit reflected Care South’s commitment to person-centred care.
“It was a pleasure for the team to support Myrna in seeing her father’s artwork as part of our Make a Wish initiative,” she said. “She has fond memories of watching him create these pieces, so it was wonderful for her to see that his talent continues to be enjoyed by others.
“At Marjorie House, we believe every resident deserves a fulfilling life, shaped by the people, places and experiences that matter most to them.”
