Dame Vera’s art of living

TwenTy of Dame Vera Lynn’s paintings have gone on display in the village of Ditchling, east Sussex. Curators found more than 300 paintings in her collection and were amazed by her output.

not me. when I visited the former Forces’ Sweetheart at her home, she had turned the entire second floor into a 70ft-long recreation room.

‘Up there is my painting area, my office area, my play area and my sewing area,’ she told me.

She had always liked to keep herself busy — it not only kept her young, but in her very old age it kept her alive and active.

Back in the days of rationing and coupons, she once sewed herself a summer dress from four gingham tea towels.

when she first moved to Ditchling with her husband and small daughter, she made all the curtains, cushions, sofa covers and antimacassars herself.

That was just what her generation did. And her practicality and industry kept her going.

Dame Vera lived to 103, sewing, painting, living frugally.

‘Only my leggy-peggies let me down,’ she said, once she used sticks to get around.

every day she had Special K for breakfast, a sandwich at lunch, roast chicken for supper.

Her single indulgence was a big glass of red wine and a packet of crisps at 6pm.

Her paintings may not be the greatest works of art, but what a fine testament to simple strength of character and a life well lived.