An upcoming exhibition at Madley Park House, run by The Orders of St John Care Trust in Witney, Oxfordshire, celebrates the talent of local artist Diana Barkervyle-Glegg, one of the care home’s residents.

Diana, age 91, first fell in love with painting when she saw the work of an artist living in Steyning, Sussex, and was inspired to have a go herself.

Diana was keen to learn how to paint with oils.  Through the magazine The Artist she found a tutor called John Blight, who worked from the Paddock Art Studios in Lewes.  She also took a course on mixing colours, with painter Oliver Warman at Mall Galleries in London.

Diana said: “My passion for gardening waned and my passion for art blossomed. Although I completed many courses I never went to art school.”

Diana went on to meet another inspirational artist, in his 80s, and later went to a studio in Chelsea ran by his son, Edmond. Diana adds: “Edmond was a wonderful teacher who opened my eyes to world of colour.  I learned the technique of painting in layers from Edmond; each of my paintings takes me two to three months to complete because of the layers.”

Diana has also exhibited in London and Alresford, Hampshire, and has written an autobiography, Cast in the Mist of Time.

Home Manager Niki Rowlands said: “When I first started working at Madley Park House, Diana spoke about holding an art exhibition in the home.  I am really pleased that we have been able to meet her wishes and look forward to seeing others enjoy her beautiful work.”

The free exhibition is open from 14.00-17.00 on Friday 24 March and some works will be for sale.  The home, which has a 9.8 score on the consumer rating website carehome.co.uk, has recently refurbished 60 rooms.