PICTURES of historic Lakeland taken by a Gazette photographer have been playing a key role in a project to help people with dementia.

Photographer Joseph Hardman worked freelance for The Westmorland Gazette from the 1930s to the 1960s - winning countless awards for his work.

When he died in 1972 his widow donated 5,000 glass negatives to the Museum of Lakeland Life and Industry in Kendal, which is run by Lakeland Arts.

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Anne-Marie Quinn, who is a dementia champion for Lakeland Arts, said she was inspired to use the photographs in a project to “retrace the steps” of Joseph Hardman with a group of people with dementia.

“I was particularly inspired by the way creativity could stimulate the brain and help people with dementia,” said Ms Quinn.

“Some of the most exciting work happening with dementia is about tapping into people’s emotional and imaginative world.”

In August and September, volunteers and carers took four dementia patients on trips to some of the locations where Mr Hardman took his photos - including Dora’s Field, near Rydal Hall, and Esthwaite Water, near Hawkshead.

During the trips the patients discussed and studied the photos Hardman took at the locations and also used iPads to take their own pictures and “selfies”. They then made a collage of their own images and those taken by Hardman on a map of the places they visited.

As part of the project the participants were also inspired to sing, recite poetry and discuss music as they visited different locations.

“It really held people together and there was strong sense of a shared experience,” said Ms Quinn.

“When we were out and about people felt a connection with the landscape and with each other and I think there was a sense that everybody got to know each other.

“I think it is important to realise that if people (with dementia) can be creative and socialise, it is possible for them to live well and feel supported and get involved in conversations and activities.”

The project was made possible with support from The Gannett Foundation, the charitable arm of Gannett Company Inc, owner of Newsquest Media Group whose titles include The Westmorland Gazette.