Granville Lodge chef brings joy to children with vibrant artwork 

Granville Lodge chef brings joy to children with vibrant artwork 

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With 18 years of dedication as a chef at Granville Lodge, our children’s complex care service in Hartlepool, Karen Liddle is not just a professional in the kitchen.
Now and again, Karen swaps the pastry brush for a paintbrush and creates the most beautiful artwork for the children at the service.

With a degree in multimedia textiles and background studies in art and design, Karen is turning walls into works of art and gardens into magical escapes, all while continuing to serve up delicious meals in the kitchen.

Karen began working on the underwater masterpiece, dedicating early mornings and nights for about a year, all while juggling her day-to-day job as a chef. Her hard work resulted in a vibrant creation that brightened the space. Painting all the characters into an underwater scene, Karen said “It is great to see the children’s faces when they see it, especially when the new residents see it for the first time.”

Karen ensures all the children can enjoy the artwork, regardless of their visual abilities, by using a variety of painting techniques. For example, she painted the turtle in bold, block colours, making it easier for every child to see and appreciate the design, no matter their condition.

Karen was approached by the staff at Granville Lodge to see how she could brighten up the children’s bathroom. “We wanted the paintings to be of things the children would love, so they voted and they picked Finding Nemo.” 

Karen has also created a seasonal fairy garden in the grounds. She said, “The wheelchair users have a swing in the back garden, and they just look at a fence when using it, so I have created a visual display using decorative waterproof curtains to make it more interesting for them to look at.” Karen changes these curtains each season. Currently, they have a spooky Halloween display. and she is busy hunting for festive editions for Christmas. 

When asked what the families and other colleagues think of her work, she says they absolutely love it. 

Karen is still busy in the kitchen for her day-to-day job, currently creating a bake-off competition for the residents. 

Karen’s dedication to both her culinary and artistic roles makes her very popular at Granville Lodge. Her passion for brightening the lives of children, whether through creative meals or her artwork, is a testament to her kind heart and diverse talents. 

To learn more about Granville Lodge, please visit their webpage