The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Second World War evacuee, 92, scores hit with her artistic lockdown pastime
Dorothy has been bowled over by demand for her beaded creations
A talented 92-year-old, who was an evacuee in Perthshire during the Second World War, is enjoying a hit with her latest lockdown creations.
Dorothy McDermott has made dozens of colourful bead bowls as a vital distraction during the Covid crisis.
The arts-loving pensioner, who trained as a silversmith, was inspired to experiment with Hama Beads, a creative product originally designed for children.
Dorothy said the work helps her enjoy a happy, fulfilled life, and now she has been flooded with orders for bowls from family and friends, as well as residents and staff at the Cramond Residence care home in Edinburgh where she stays.
She said: “I’ve made more than 20 in just one month. I’m thrilled to bits that people like them, but I couldn’t have done it without the help from staff as my fingers don’t work the way they used to.
“I have to pick up beads with a safety pin due to my arthritis and have to get a member of staff to separate brown and black beads, due to my double vision.”
Widowed Dorothy has had a lifelong passion for art and used her creative streak during the darkest days of the war. She said: “Art has always been a passion of mine. I used to get my dad to make a hole in silver sixpences and thruppennies so I could make necklaces.
“When I was evacuated to the home of my auntie and uncle in Perthshire at the beginning of the Second World War, I used to gather hazelnuts to paint and make brooches from, to bring a little bit of happiness during a difficult time.”
The mother-of-one said: “I went on to study silversmithing at Edinburgh Art College. It’s fun to see how the creations turn out and makes me feel good to see the way people have appreciated them over the years.”
Dorothy, who is now leading craft classes at her care home, added: “Making things keeps my mind active.”