Key points:
- Skills can develop at any stage of life
- Creative learning builds confidence and purpose
- Learning can lead to lasting community contribution
Evidence content
For many learners, retirement creates space to return to long-standing interests and develop them further.
Tom Lyddon is a lifelong East London resident who, after a career in manual craft and as a black cab driver, developed a sustained artistic practice later in life.
After retiring in 2012, Tom began attending classes with Idea Store Learning, including printmaking, painting and drawing. These courses provided structured teaching, exposure to different techniques and an opportunity to study the history of art – helping him expand both his skills and his creative ambition.
“Art was Tom’s favourite subject… after retirement in 2012 he attended many classes including Printmaking, Painting and Drawing with Idea Store Learning, enjoying the history of art, studying techniques and applying these to his work.”
Access to regular classes, peer support and guidance from tutors played a key role in this development. Over time, Tom broadened his practice across multiple media, including printmaking, watercolour and life drawing. A key part of this approach is the opportunity to share work publicly. Through exhibitions across Tower Hamlets – including the Town Hall, the Brady Centre and the Local History Library and Archives – Tom was able to build confidence and develop a sense of identity as an artist.
“He has exhibited his work in many venues around Tower Hamlets… and most recently at the Tower Hamlets Local History Library and Archives where he has donated a selection of his work to the borough.”
Tom’s work focuses on documenting the changing landscapes of Tower Hamlets, capturing local buildings, streets and spaces through printmaking and painting.
This connection to place has led to a lasting contribution. A selection of his work has now been donated to the borough archive, forming part of Tower Hamlets’ cultural record.
“He enjoys using his skills to record the disappearing landscapes of Tower Hamlets… he has donated a selection of his work to the borough archive.”
This journey highlights a wider role for adult learning. By combining structured teaching, community connection and opportunities to showcase work, it enables learners to continue developing skills later in life – building confidence, contributing to local culture, and creating a lasting legacy.
London Borough of Tower Hamlets
Idea Store Learning serves as the Adult Learning Service for the London Borough of Tower Hamlets Council. It delivers courses across five Idea Stores, a main Learning Centre, and 15 outreach venues.
- ESOL, English and Mathematics from entry level to Level 2
- A broad programme of community learning supports mental health and wellbeing, offering subjects such as creative and performing arts, languages and health & fitness
- A strong partnership with the WorkPath Employability Team
- Initiatives such as Green Week, Employability Week, and various creative and performance showcases
