RESIDENTS at a Sherborne care home enjoyed the recollections of one resident – a renowned artist – as part of a special event.

Abbey View, run by Colten Care, celebrated the Unesco World Art Day with an event centred on 96-year-old artist and resident, Rosemary Dodd.

Alongside an exhibition of several of her paintings, Rosemary was interviewed in front of an audience of fellow residents by her daughter Roz and friend and auctioneer, Matthew Lacey.

Rosemary was especially active as an artist in the 1960s.

Two of her pieces adorned the walls of the Royal Society of British Artists’ summer exhibition in London in 1966 and she recalled being invited later to a Women of the Year luncheon in Dorchester.

She said she was delighted to have the opportunity to exhibit her work at Abbey View and speak about her talent and enthusiasm for art to an audience.

She said: “I have always loved art and colour. From my earliest memories as a child, I loved to draw. I am so happy I have had the chance to have an exhibition in my lifetime.”

Roz interviewing her mother, 96, during the event at the Sherborne care home

Companionship Team member at Abbey View, Bev de Bruyn, said: “During question time from a full house of residents, Rosemary radiated such joy and passion. It was delightful to watch her being interviewed and to hear her insights.”

World Art Day has been celebrated internationally each year since 2012 on the April birthday of renaissance genius, Leonardo Da Vinci.