Famous Artist Creates Nostalgic Mural For Bede Residents
We were delighted to welcome award-winning animator Sheila Graber to Bede House to create a stunning mural.
Best known as the animator behind the beloved BBC Paddington series, Sheila’s work has brought colour and creativity to generations. Her latest project captures some of the North East’s most recognisable coastal landmarks, creating a vibrant visual journey designed to encourage reminiscence and storytelling among residents.
Honouring Malcolm’s Story
The mural was carefully created with residents in mind, celebrating familiar places and treasured memories from across South Tyneside and Sunderland. From seaside scenes to local landmarks, the artwork has already inspired conversations, laughter and shared stories between residents, families and team members.
Sheila painted the mural for her cousin, Malcolm Bird, who received care at Bede House. Sheila said: “Sadly Malcolm passed recently so I thought it time to get going on that mural as the weather was improving a bit too. I decided to base it on well-loved sights of Sunderland such as Seaburn Pier and Beach, Penshaw, as well as the Angel of the North to hopefully help residents enjoy memories past and present.”
The mural included a commemorative plaque dedicated to Chief Engineer Malcolm and his wife Olwyn who moved to Hong Kong whilst Malcolm was stationed there with his work in salvage.
Creating Connections Through Art
Karen Suleiman, the manager at Bede House Care Home, said: “Malcolm came to Bede House in June 2023. He would often chat about memories of times spent in South Shields but also around Sunderland. We would talk about landmarks including Penshaw Monument and Angel of the North, and he would enjoy trips down at Roker Beach. Sheila kindly offered to paint us a mural on a wall in the garden, we incorporated Malcolm’s points of interest but also those of the residents at Bede House. The resident’s focal points were very similar to Malcolm’s, which made it a personalised mural for all to see. The mural has been a fantastic attraction and has created many reminiscing memories but also, and more importantly, provides a lot of laughs, happiness, and joy for all coming into Bede House.”
At Prestwick Care, we are passionate about creating homes that feel welcoming, vibrant, and full of life. Whether through arts, music, events, or community partnerships, we’re always looking for new ways to support wellbeing and celebrate individuality.
This beautiful mural is a perfect example of how creativity can transform a space and create moments of connection for everyone who lives and visits our homes.
