The Lonely Gentlemen
- Wade Scott
- Feb 22
- 2 min read
By Wade Scott
Just before Christmas 2025, I developed a piece bringing together charity, fine art and themes of loneliness. This week, it was installed at Orbis Community, a creative hub in the heart of Gateshead town centre.
The Project
The Lonely Gentlemen Find Their Voice was created late 2025 as part of the long-running ‘Celebrating Difference’ project at Gateshead College.
It's an annual initiative now in its tenth year.
This year, the project is a collaboration between the students, college and and Orbis Community with an exhibition exploring identity, culture, and community through creative expression. I was honoured that my piece, The Lonely Gentlemen Find Their Voice, was chosen for the window display at Orbis Community, available to see now at Unit 9, West Street, Gateshead, NE8 1BH
About the Artwork
Using portraiture, the piece is an expressive representation of Teams and Bensham Community Care’s mission to build support networks for isolated older men who often struggle most with loneliness and grief.
The piece captures two men in conversation. Light falls across their heads, symbolising the warmth of connection and the shared strength that is born when people find companionship.
About the Charity
Teams and Bensham Community Care is a charity in central and inner west Gateshead supporting older people for over 35 years to stay active, connected, and independent to improve health and wellbeing.
The charity offers three lunch clubs and two men’s groups each week along with hot meals, and accessible minibus transport for older adults who experience isolation, grief, poor health, neurodiversity or memory loss.
During my visits to the charity over the past few years, I've seen first-hand the warmth and inclusivity the staff and volunteers, as well as the people who attend create, and the lasting positive impact that takes place.
The Message
The theme of my artwork is hope and the idea that, even in moments of darkness, connection, friendship and conversation can really transform lives and bring light.
This collaboration with Teams and Bensham Community Care reflects how art can connect people and community causes, raising awareness and celebrating the power of local charities to change lives for the better.
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