Project in Review: BASScare Faversham House Canterbury
Returning client BASScare partnered once again with Bluethumb Trade Team to bring warmth, vibrancy and personality to their aged care home, Faversham House in Canterbury, VIC. With 94 artworks sourced, the fit out showcases how thoughtful curation can transform residential spaces into places that inspire, comfort and connect.
Clouds of Hope and Awe, original painting by Tania Chanter. The Sunbathers & Blue Sarong, limited edition prints on canvas by Wendy Wooden.
A Seamless Partnership
Following the success of their earlier collaboration at Morgan Glen Iris, BASScare re-engaged Bluethumb to curate and supply artwork for their Canterbury residential aged care home.
Wonderful Life, limited edition print on canvas by Jen Shewring.
BASScare is a trusted Melbourne-based organisation that provides aged care and community services. Their long-term approach to design focuses on creating spaces that feel both functional and uplifting.
Cliff Face, framed canvas print by Susan Trudinger.
“Obviously, with the success of the initial project at Morgan Glen Iris and the feedback that we received from that made it an easy decision to engage Bluethumb for this project,” shares Edward Xuereb, Executive General Manager Property and Developments at BASScare.
“In addition, the customer experience back then that we received from the team, especially Alex, again was a no-brainer.”
Bougainvillea Triptych & Flower of Choice, limited edition prints on paper by Nadia Culph.
Art as Wayfinding and Connection
The Faversham House upgrade aimed to reimagine what an aged care home could feel like — elegant, engaging, and designed to encourage connection.
“The brief for this project was to introduce artwork that you wouldn’t normally find in an aged care home,” Edward explains. “We wanted the artwork to provoke conversations amongst residents, staff and visitors, and to use the artwork to assist with wayfinding and as a location identifier.”
Botanica Abstract, original painting by Carolyne Jane. Winter Dusk, original artwork by Jacob Sarra.
Each wing was given its own unique identity, guided by colour and subject matter. This creative approach not only brought visual variety but also helped residents orient themselves within the home.
“The thought behind this was to align the artwork with the wing names and link a theme, that being colour or subject matter,” Edward adds. “This once again assists residents with finding their way around the home and more specifically their own room.”
94 Artworks, One Curated Vision
With 94 artworks sourced in total, including 55 originals and 39 premium canvas prints, Faversham House represents one of Bluethumb’s largest single-site aged care fit-outs to date.
The project was led by Bluethumb’s Head of Art Advisory and in-house Interior Designer, Alexandra, who curated the full selection and presented it to BASScare for approval. The proposal was accepted without alteration — a rare outcome that highlights how precisely the curation captured the client’s vision.
Fairy Wrens and Banksia, original painting by Amanda Brooks.
“From the outset, BASScare’s vision for Faversham House set a strong direction for the project,” Alexandra shares. “They wanted to create a place that felt like home while supporting residents’ cognitive and emotional wellbeing. Every artwork was chosen not just for how it looks, but for how it helps create a sense of comfort, connection, and joy in each space.”
Crimson Beauty, limited edition print on canvas by Hayley Kruger. Here Chook Chook, original painting by Amanda Brooks.
Resident Response
Since completion, feedback from residents, staff and families has been overwhelmingly positive.
“The feedback has been amazing,” Edward shares. “With a project like this, you’re not always going to please everyone, but I’ve even had residents saying they’re going to take some of the pieces for their room, which always draws a laugh.”
A New Day Has Come, original painting by Jennifer Stor.
Beyond visual impact, art continues to play a vital role in residents’ wellbeing.
“The impact that art has on residents is underestimated,” Edward adds. “We see this through the art classes that operate by our Lifestyle Staff. Art in itself is therapeutic, regardless if you are just looking at it or actually doing the drawing or painting.”
Gulls at Dusk, original seascape by Diane Rightnour. Summer Blues, limited edition print on canvas by Mia Laing.
Celebrating Australian Artists
The final collection showcases a mix of emerging and established Australian artists, including Louise Numina, Hayley Kruger, Theo Papathomas, Sally Dunbar, Amanda Brooks, Brenda Meynell and Sally Browne. Each piece contributes to a layered, textural story that feels deeply personal to the home.
Blue Kookaburra River, original painting by Sally Browne.
“From conception to installation, the process with Bluethumb has been seamless,” Edward concludes. “Their team delivers exceptional service with a genuine ‘nothing is too much’ attitude. What makes the partnership even more special is their commitment to supporting Australian artists. At BASScare, we’re proud to play a part in celebrating both emerging and established talent, filling our buildings with beautiful artworks that bring joy and inspiration to our residents every day.”
The Lightness of Being, original painting by Lidia Gaudiano.
Looking Ahead
With another BASScare project already in planning, the partnership between Bluethumb and BASScare continues to grow.
“Faversham House is a great reminder of the difference art can make,” Alexandra says. “It’s wonderful to see how thoughtful curation can brighten the everyday experience of residents and staff.”
Your Beautiful Heart, an original painting by Virginia Hendren. Golden Light, limited edition canvas print by Vanessa Wallace.
If you’re a designer or property developer looking to source art for your next project, discover how Bluethumb Trade can support you from concept to installation.
Excellent display, will have to visit, very interested in your bird paintings !
The artwork is beautiful and certainly adds to the appeal of the various spaces. I love the fact that the pictures are all so different but seem to blend together.
Congratulations to the designer!