30 October 2025
At Regis Holland Park, Ian is known for his quiet, reserved nature and warm friendliness. His gentle nature is reflected in the intricate cardboard models he creates — boats, houses and lighthouses that tell stories of imagination, history and family.
His creative journey began in England during the 1940s wartime. “Toys were scarce,” Ian recalls. “My cousin and I would spend Sunday’s crafting toys from cardboard. I especially enjoyed making model boats and trains, and I regularly attended boat rallies at the Model Boats Club in London parks.”
Ian also spent hours exploring the British Museum, which sparked his lifelong interest in design and detail. “My models show that I am creative and inspired by the world around me,” he says. “My first inspiration came from the British Museum, where I spent countless hours exploring.”
Though he didn’t pursue a creative career, he served as an air force cadet and later worked for 40 years loading trucks for a concrete company. Creativity remained a personal outlet. “Creativity means expressing ideas and imagination in your own ways,” Ian says.
When Ian arrived at Regis Holland Park, he felt the need to reconnect with that part of himself. “I realised I needed a creative outlet, so I restarted my model-making art,” he says. His work is mostly impromptu, with little planning. “As I start building, I keep thinking about the next step and how I can make it better.”
Among his favourite creations is a model of the Murray River, made from cardboard and engraved with his wife’s name. He gifted it to his granddaughter. Another special piece is the African Queen, inspired by the film of the same name.
What Ian enjoys most is sharing his work. “I especially love gifting these models to my family, friends and employees,” he says. “The joy and smiles on their faces make me truly happy.”
Ian’s story is part of our See Me program, which highlights the personal passions and life experiences of our residents. Through See Me, we recognise the individuality of each person and the meaningful ways they express themselves. Ian’s model-making is more than a hobby, it’s a reflection of his creativity, history and love for family. His story reminds us that self-expression can flourish at any age and that every resident has something unique to share.
