Patricia revisits treasured Dorset museum

Patricia enjoyed an enchanting birthday revisiting her favourite Dorset museum at Christmas time

Patricia Purser, regularly visited the Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum in Bournemouth with her daughter Julia Doxot-Purser, before going into care.

Our Colten Companion Cara Duroe arranged for Julia to meet up with her mother at the museum on the East Cliff, so they could look around together and have lunch in the café.

Julia said: “When my mother was moving to The Aldbury from France, I wanted her to re-connect with the area in her memory. I would frequently show her photos of the family in Bournemouth. Whenever she saw pictures of the Russell-Cotes Museum, she would express excitement because she remembered it from her annual summer holidays here as a child and teenager.

“When I learned that The Aldbury was asking residents for wishes, I knew Mother could not articulate what she would like, but I spoke for her saying: “Russell Cotes please!” And the team made it possible. Even better, they saved it until the Christmas lights were up. And it was 87th birthday treat for her.”

Julia continued: “Our morning at the Russell-Cotes was wonderful. Mother is not often very alert or articulate now. But her face lit up with smiles as I said: “Look at that marquetry!” “What a lovely ceiling!” She was so happy to see all the beauty around her.

“Thank you to everyone for making this possible. It was the first time I could enjoy taking Mother somewhere since before the pandemic. It was really special for both of us.”

Patricia was joined on the trip to the Russell-Cotes by fellow residents Enid Connelly, Joan Perrin, Jean Hands, Abdul “Hobi” Sabih and Valerie Short.

All enjoyed exploring the museum, which was built by hoteliers Annie and Merton Russell-Cotes in 1901 as their home and which is filled with their extraordinary collection of British paintings and sculptures, as well as souvenirs from their travels around the world.

On their deaths, the couple gave the house and all its collections to the people of Bournemouth to enjoy forever.

Colten companion Cara continued: “Julia was delighted to spend this time with her mum and create a new loving memory together.

“Meanwhile, our other residents loved the collection of beautifully decorated Christmas Trees and learned it takes the entire staff a whole day to dress them.

“Enid and Jean enjoyed talking to the guides and Jean said she would like to come with her daughter too, to look at all the paintings again.”