A 92-year-old great-grandfather from Oxfordshire has found unexpected fame as an artist after his granddaughter posted a video of his work on TikTok. Robert Rose, who is entirely self-taught, rediscovered his passion for painting during the 2020 lockdowns, creating dozens of landscapes inspired by his local countryside. The short video clip went viral, attracting more than two million views and launching a late-in-life art career.
What began as a way to stay occupied during isolation has now led to a public exhibition, an honorary membership in a canal trust, and a popular online shop selling prints of his work. Rose's journey highlights the surprising power of social media to connect generations and share talent with a global audience.
Key Takeaways
- Robert Rose, 92, began painting prolifically during the COVID-19 pandemic to stay active.
- A TikTok video posted by his granddaughter, Joanna Menzies, received over two million views, sparking global interest.
- Rose, who has no formal art training, paints local landscapes from his home in Wantage, Oxfordshire.
- His newfound fame has led to a local library exhibition and prints of his work being sold online.
A Lockdown Hobby Turns into a Calling
For Robert Rose, the quiet days of the pandemic in 2020 became an opportunity to revisit a lifelong interest. Confined to his home, he turned to painting as a way to fill the time and maintain his mental well-being. "I was captured in my own home so decided to produce some paintings - it kept me sane," Rose explained.
He worked primarily with acrylics, transforming his memories of walks around his native Wantage into vivid landscapes. His subjects include local paths and villages such as Grove, Ardington, Letcombe, and The Hendreds. Over a short period, his collection grew to nearly 50 paintings, quickly filling the walls of his home.
Rose's method involves sketching and taking photographs of scenes during his walks. "I've lived in the area all my life and know these good walking spots," he said. On days when the weather is poor, he retreats to his shed to bring these sketches to life on canvas.
The Viral Moment on TikTok
The story took an unexpected turn when his granddaughter, Joanna Menzies, discovered his hidden talent. Unaware of the extent of his artistic activities, she was amazed by the volume and quality of his work. In 2020, as TikTok's popularity was surging, she decided to share a short video of her grandfather painting in his shed.
The response was immediate and overwhelming. "I put the video on and the next day it had two million views," Menzies recalled. The video was flooded with thousands of comments from users around the world, many expressing admiration for his talent and wholesome story.
"It made wholly amusing reading," Rose said of the online reaction. "There were three or four thousand comments - they were asking 'can you be our grandad?'. It's all part of the fun and keeps us entertained."
This sudden digital fame transformed a private hobby into a public phenomenon, connecting the 92-year-old painter with a new, global generation of art lovers.
From Shed to Global Stage
A single TikTok video catapulted Robert Rose from a quiet hobbyist in his shed to an artist with over 2 million views and an international following. This demonstrates the immense reach of modern social media platforms in discovering and amplifying talent, regardless of age or background.
From Online Fame to Public Recognition
The viral video did more than just gather views; it opened doors to real-world opportunities. Recognizing the local interest, the Wantage Library offered to host an exhibition of Rose's paintings, giving the community a chance to see his work in person.
His art also caught the attention of the Wiltshire and Berkshire Canal trust. After seeing his beautiful depictions of the waterway, which he painted after walking the route, the trust was so impressed that they made him an honorary member.
A Family Enterprise
While the original paintings are gifted to family members, the demand for his art led the family to find a way to share it more widely. Prints of his landscapes are now available for purchase on Etsy and at local craft and artisan fairs, managed by his family.
"We're so proud - we think he's amazing," said Menzies. "He's got four great-grandchildren so we're hoping they'll have some of his artistic talent."
A Lifelong Passion with Wartime Roots
Rose's interest in art is not new; it traces back to his childhood during World War Two. With paper being a scarce commodity, his mother provided him with a blackboard and chalks to keep him entertained. "I would amuse myself drawing tanks and army lorries and plans - that's what got me going," he remembered.
The Power of a Lifelong Hobby
Robert Rose always intended to dedicate more time to art after retiring. His story is a powerful reminder that pursuing a passion can provide purpose and mental stimulation at any age. For him, painting is more than a pastime; it is a vital activity that keeps his mind sharp and his days full.
He made a promise to himself that he would devote more time to painting upon retirement, a promise he has now fulfilled with remarkable results. The activity has become a cornerstone of his daily routine.
"It keeps me fully occupied and helps the brain," Rose reflected. "It's better than getting up and spending the day just looking at the telly - its good for me personally." His journey serves as an inspiration, proving that it's never too late to pursue a passion, learn a new skill, or even start a new career.