How lockdown hasn't stopped 90-year-old Mansfield man teaching his art class

The 90-year-old has refused to let a little lockdown get in the way of his art class, which he has been teaching at Shirebrook’s Hole In The Wall since last October, and has taken the bold step to move the weekly sessions online.

Ken’s students now are able to access his videos on YouTube, as he turns Bob Ross for half an hour once a week, hoping to inspire a little creativity in isolation.

“It’s provided me with a really nice focus in the last four weeks,” says widower Ken, who has been isolating alone in Mansfield since lockdown began at the end of March.

“I don’t like sitting around and doing nothing, and don’t like other people doing the same, so when my son-in-law said he could get the class back online virtually, I thought it was a great idea.”

Ken has revealed his art class came about quite by accident, after he got into conversation with staff whilst sat in the cafe of Shirebrook’s local education block.

He laughs: “I was minding my own business, chatting to staff, when it came up that I’m a former art teacher, and the next thing I know, I’m teaching a weekly class of 15.”

Ten of these students - ranging in age from 20 to 80 - are now tuning in each week for Ken’s virtual class, which he says he’s really been enjoying.

“It keeps me busy thinking of different themes for each week’s class.

“So far we’ve done a New York skyline, and a Rocky Mountains scene, which is ingrained into my head after living there for a few years.

“Being near Sherwood Forest, we’ve also done a forest sketch, which involved Robin Hood and Maid Marion depicted as mice, and a painting of the Titanic.

“Next week we’re going to be taking on an English landscape.”

The videos are hosted on the YouTube channel of Ken’s son-in-law Gary Birtles, a well-known performer from Sheffield. Ken’s daughter Lorraine Birtles is also a Sheffield performer, best known for her award-winning Dame Vera Lynn tribute act.

“Gary and Lorrie have set me up in my art room with the camcorder, and I’m able to film the classes, which they then put online for me each week,” says Ken.

“The people in the class are all very nice, and it’s a pleasure to teach them.

“I look forward to being back teaching them in person as soon as we’re able.”

Sandra Currey, of Shirebrook Children’s Services, that runs Ken’s class, said: “Ken has made a massive impact on raising the morale of Shirebrook residents by volunteering to run the free weekly art group since last October.

“The class has been a huge success, both in terms of improving skills and developing confidence, but also the social engagement aspect has enabled people to meet, have a cuppa and a cake and make friends.

“As the class has been suspended due to the coronavirus pandemic, Ken has been running a weekly class online so that the community can still take part.

“Ken celebrated his 90th birthday on May 26, and we feel that it is truly amazing that he is still inspiring others and supporting his local community.”

Find Ken’s free virtual lessons HERE.