Eric Fawley, a 94-year-old man living with dementia, has expressed his happiness at the prospect of having his artwork exhibited in the House of Commons. The exhibition is scheduled to take place in the Upper Waiting Hall at the Houses of Parliament in October.
Fawley began creating art at a young age, with encouragement from his parents, although financial circumstances prevented him from attending art school. He left school at 14 and worked various jobs, including electrical work for the Blackpool illuminations and later as a Post Office engineer with BT.
After relocating to London upon marrying his wife, Olive, Fawley continued his career with the telecoms company, eventually managing an office where his sketches and caricatures of colleagues were displayed. He described his drawings as a way to "send up colleagues," who he said "secretly used to like it."
Fawley moved to Greenbanks Care Home in Watford, Hertfordshire, over a year ago following a fire at his home. Since his arrival, he has produced hundreds of drawings and paintings depicting his surroundings and former colleagues. Nirmala Singhvi, the lifestyle coordinator at the care home, noted that Fawley's story highlights "creativity in later life, as well as the individuality and imagination that remain after a dementia diagnosis."
The exhibition was arranged with the assistance of Watford Labour MP Matt Turmaine, who saw Fawley's work at the care home. Fawley has previously held exhibitions in Essex and participated in an event at Harlow Library. Staff at Greenbanks have expressed pride in his achievements, highlighting his art as a way to challenge perceptions of what individuals can accomplish in care settings. He finds that his creative work helps to focus his mind and ensures each day is varied.