Testing Situations | Experiences of dementia, assessment and art

Over the last year, artist Charles Harrison and the Testing Situations team have been touring around the UK to learn more about people's experiences of being tested for dementia.



The Catalyst: National Innovation Centre for Ageing. 

Testing Situations presented an exhibition of learning from the tour featuring artworks from Clive Smith, Dan Moxam and a newly commissioned film titled 'Margaret' and supporting imagery by film-maker Harry Lawson. 

The main event featured presentations from project lead Charlie Harrison, social scientist Emma Harding and collaborator Mhari McLintock followed by screenings of 3 artistic films made by, or in collaboration with people living with dementia. 





The afternoon session included a participatory workshop and group conversations with around 60 attendees, both individuals and groups from North East.



I didn't attend the event, but saw the exhibition, and was particularly moved by Harry Lawson's body of work about his late Grandma, Margaret, during her last 4 years living in residential care. The film includes footage taken by Geoff, Harry's father of Margaret in her bedroom and scenes from the rest of the care home that was later filmed by Harry. It shifts between tender, intimate interactions between Margaret and Geoff and more routine observations of life in the residential home. As the UK population is living longer, more people are living in residential care, and this film gives an insight into life in a residential home. 

I felt privileged to witness the loving scenes between Margaret and Geoff, in which Geoff gently strokes Margaret's hands and tries to make her comfortable. I was gripped by the Geoff's patience and care in the way he spoke and handled his Mum, and though highly personal, the film did not seem invasive.

The more general shots within the home give a good impression of the rapport between Harry and the residents. Harry is happy to engage with the residents, some of whom make a point of being on film. As I watched one woman ask Harry if he would like her to introduce herself on camera and then go on to tell a little story, I notice that I'm smiling, for the residents are being treated respectfully as individuals who are valued.

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https://www.charlesrobertharrison.com/testingsituationsblog