Springbank Care Home is delighted to announce the spectacular success of its recent ‘Through Our Eyes’ exhibition, which brought together residents, families, and the local community for a moving celebration of life and history. The project used technology to merge current portraits of residents living with dementia into photographs from their past, creating evocative scenes that highlight the vibrant person behind the diagnosis.

The event featured stunning composite artwork that placed residents as they are in 2026 directly into historical settings, celebrating their lifelong journeys and cherished hobbies. The atmosphere was further enhanced by the cheerful tunes of Richard and Honey, one of the home’s much loved visiting singer and dog duos, who performed hits ranging from “Blue Skies” to the Beatles. Following the exhibition’s success, these meaningful photographs will now go on to be given to families and displayed in residents’ rooms where appropriate.

A significant highlight of the exhibition was the presence of multiple generations of families to read about their loved one and view their composite portrait. One relative shared their experience:

“It was so lovely to see mum and her friends in their younger days. It’s such a great idea to show how these people were once young and so interesting and very hard working. They really were the generation that changed the world. I loved reading about each and every one of the residents. I particularly loved seeing one resident, who was my old art teacher.

I think we do forget the story behind their faces and it’s good for us to be reminded of the life they had before and what a brilliant way to portray this.”

Another relative added…

“As a relative be prepared for a very emotional experience in looking at photographs that chart the ageing process. It reminded me of the sometimes-forgotten young man I once knew. A big thank you for the hard work putting together the ‘Through Our Eyes’ exhibition.”

The exhibition’s impact was further reflected in the glowing feedback shared on social media, with one guest commenting, “What a lovely afternoon, thank you for putting so much effort into making it such a nostalgic occasion. What a wonderful idea, the food was delicious too, you really are so hard working and the best care home.” Others noted that they “thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and appreciated the effort put into organising the event,” and described the presentation as “very moving” and “thoroughly enjoyable.”

While the original images remain private to protect the dignity of the residents, the exhibition featured several powerful scenes that illustrated the deep connection between past and present. One piece featured a lifelong fan as they appear today, seated alongside their younger self in the stands at Keighley Cougars. Another depicted a resident watching from the sidelines as their past self played a match on the football pitch.

The collection also included poignant professional tributes, such as a resident—as they appeared in the past—treating their present-day self as an NHS nurse at Harrogate Hospital. In another evocative scene, a lady looked into a mirror to see her past self: a fashionable woman balancing the demands of work, family, and style. The exhibition further captured moments of lifelong learning and industry, showing a resident sitting in a classroom being taught by their younger self, and another gazing through a window into the past to watch themselves at work in a wartime munitions factory.

The exhibition also focused on reconnecting residents with their personal histories and former friends. A representative from the local football club attended to spend the afternoon reminiscing with a resident over historical club photographs, sharing stories from their time as former teammates.

April Howie, Deputy Manager at Springbank Care Home, shared their pride in the event’s impact:

“This project has been a deeply moving journey for everyone involved. By merging the present with the past, we aren’t just creating art; we are creating a powerful tool for empathy that reminds us all of the incredible lives our residents have led. It was a privilege to work alongside our fantastic corporate partners to make this event even bigger and better for our residents and guests. Specifically, working with Snuggle, who provided a wide variety of foods to complement the event as part of their initiative to give back to the health and social care industry, helped create a truly celebratory environment. We are so pleased to have been able to show the person behind the diagnosis.”

Ollie Bellerby, representing Snuggle added:

“Snuggle Staffing were proud to support Spellman Care and the team at Springbank Care Home for such a meaningful event. The ‘Through Their Eyes’ exhibition was a wonderful celebration of residents’ stories, seen from a unique perspective and we were delighted to contribute by providing some nibbles that helped bring friends and family together.”

Lisa and April would be more than happy to speak to any other care homes or professionals interested in learning more about the project and its benefits. The ‘Through Our Eyes’ exhibition represents the latest in a line of innovative initiatives at Springbank Care Home, reflecting the forward-thinking philosophy of the Spellman Care group.

For more information, please contact the home directly at deputy@springbanksilsden.co.uk or 01535 282424.