Captain Tom takes pride of place
A poignant painting of Sir Captain Tom Moore has taken pride of place on the walls of an extra care housing block.
Iris Timothy painted the portrait and her work has gained praise from neighbours and staff at Housing 21, Deighton Court in Walsall.
Iris, aged 84, who has enjoyed painting from when she was only five-years-old, has never previously had her work exhibited.
She said that she was “thrilled” her work will now go on show in the entrance to the building.
Iris said: “I felt so inspired by Sir Captain Tom Moore’s achievements that I decided to paint his portrait from photographs in the newspapers. I have been painting since I was five but could not have afforded art school.
“This is my first portrait and it took me five days to complete in acrylics.
“My father used to paint and so perhaps it is in the genes.
“I did not know that I could do a portrait and am looking forward to seeing it in the entrance to the building at Brockhurst Crescent.
Iris has been a tenant at the Court for two years and neighbour Graham Phillips, aged 78, offered his encouragement for her to complete the work.
Steve Kur, a friend of the Court, from Cannock, has penned a poem to accompany the painting.
Activities co-ordinator Michelle Pickering, aged 47, said: “Because of lockdown the tenants have had to do activities in their own rooms.
“Iris is a very talented and kind lady who loves painting and goes beyond everything to make a difference to others. We are all very proud of her achievements.”
