A retired police officer who pursued an art degree following his law enforcement career is showcasing his paintings to collect donations for the Alzheimer’s Society.
David Hemsley left West Yorkshire Police in 1992 and subsequently achieved a long-held goal by completing a BA in art and design at Bradford College.
Following his studies, Hemsley utilised his artistic abilities at Chapel Grange Special School and Rhodesway School in Bradford, supporting pupils with additional educational needs.
Dementia represents a profound loss for those affected and their families.
Now aged 83, Hemsley maintains an active artistic practice from his home studio.
A current exhibition featuring his smaller works is underway at the Ling Bob pub in Wilsden, with backing from premises licensee Thanos Dimou.
All proceeds from sales are being directed to the Alzheimer’s Society.
His collection encompasses vivid depictions of wildlife, trees, foliage and blossoms, drawing inspiration from diverse creative influences.
Hemsley has articulated a longstanding fascination with the spiritual relationship that Indigenous peoples, including Native American communities and Australian Aboriginal cultures, maintain with the natural environment.
After joining Bradford City Police, Hemsley completed six years of service before relocating with his wife and two sons to Queensland, Australia, under the assisted migration scheme.
The family returned to Britain after two years, and Hemsley rejoined the police force, remaining as it transitioned to become West Yorkshire Police.
In 1991, Hemsley collaborated with fellow officers to undertake a 4,000-mile journey delivering medical supplies and provisions to orphanages and educational establishments throughout Romania.
The experience had a significant emotional impact, prompting him to process the encounter through artistic expression by creating a work depicting orphaned children confined to metal cots.
His broader body of work consistently explores humanity’s connection to the natural world.
Hemsley’s perspective holds that individuals form an integral part of nature rather than existing independently from it, noting that contemporary society is confronted with evidence of nature’s response to humanity’s failure to respect ecological boundaries.
His observation suggests that continued degradation of the environment ultimately threatens the very systems upon which human survival depends.
His portfolio also includes a portrait of actress Dame Judi Dench.