Visitors to the Wantage Day Centre have enjoyed looking at a range of Oxfordshire's buildings, thanks to a selection of paintings by Fredrick Alder who has proved that it is never too late to start a new hobby.
Mr Alder, a tenant of The Vale Housing Association and a regular visitor to the Wantage Day Centre, was born in 1913 but picked up a paintbrush for the first time last year. Since then, he has created over a dozen paintings taken from photographs of local buildings.
The subject of his first painting was a photograph of East Hendred Post Office, which was displayed in The Vale Housing Association's annual calendar. Mr Alder explained that having worked in the building trade for over 18 years he particularly enjoys painting buildings and that the calendars are a good source of photographs for his work. Emily Griffith, Communications and Research Manager for The Vale Housing Association comments: We were obviously very pleased when we learnt about Mr Alder's creative use of our calendars. A lot of hard work goes in to their production and it's nice to know that they have more than one use.
When asked what inspired him, Fredrick Alder explained: I used to sit for hours in this conservatory watching my friend embroider but I got very bored so when she suggested painting I thought I would give it a try
. He later added: I like them all, but my favourite paintings are the ones of Ardington, the place where I was born.
Mr Alder also commented on how the appearance of the buildings has changed over time. His paintings capture memories of the past when thatched roofs and open land were common.
A selection of his paintings, usually on display at the Wantage Day Centre, can now be seen at the Association's Abingdon Office. Painting, however, is only one of Mr Alder's "new-found" talents. He also enjoys taking part in a range of activities at the Day Centre and joked about his role as Prince Charming in the Christmas show!.
As a result of Fredrick Alder's artistic inspiration, The Vale Housing Association has decided to hold an art competition connected to the theme "Living in Oxfordshire". Tenants are encouraged to submit any artwork relating to this theme, whether it is a favourite view, an old building or even the people living within their community. Some of the art work may be featured in future publications and the Association is also offering £20 worth of vouchers for the best piece.