Iconic album covers recreated by pensioners

Teresa Clarke, 76, was chosen to recreate the artwork for one of Adele's world-renowned albums

Pop-punk royalty and the biggest star of the decade are just some of the music legends whose iconic albums have been given a fresh look - by Dorset pensioners.

Five residents in their 70s and 80s from Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole have taken part in the Vintage Idols campaign.

Taylor Swift, Madonna and Adele were some of the stars used as inspiration for the project which aims to challenge negative stereotypes around ageing.

The images will be on show in venues across the area throughout October.

The volunteers posed as musicians spanning from the 1980s to the present day

Whilst not many people associate Taylor Swift's Eras Tour or the californian teenage irreverence of Blink-182 with pensioners, that's exactly the motivation behind the project.

The series was led by amateur photographer Louise Ahrens, who is also the health and social care lead for Christchurch Primary Care Network and an age friendly ambassador.

Ms Ahrens' father, 83-year-old Keith Martin, featured in the project, starring as David Bowie from his 1973 album, Aladdin Sane.

The campaign was launched to mark the United Nations International Day of Older People

Other recreations included retired nurse Anne Blendell, 79, who donned a blue latex glove and nurse’s hat to imitate blink-182's 1999 album, Enema of the State.

The cover of Madonna's 1986 True Blue album was copied by 80-year-old Maureen Capper, who posed wearing blue eyeshadow.

Teresa Clarke, 76, modelled for a recreation of Adele's multi-platinum album, 21 which was named after her age when she wrote it.

And a tribute to the instant print photo on Taylor Swift's 1989 - named after the year she was born - featured 85-year-old Pat Shepherd, who was born in 1939.

The Dorset residents tried to keep their poses as close to the original album covers as possible

Age friendly ambassadors work closely with Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council to raise awareness of issues affecting older people.

The authority has about 25 new people stepping into the roles in 2024.

Sandra Moore, BCP Council's portfolio holder for communities and partnerships, said older people's contributions to society were often overlooked or limited by ageism.

“It is so important we celebrate the integral role older people play in our communities and neighbourhoods; as workers, carers, volunteers, activists and community connectors," she added.

The pictures can be seen at Hengistbury Head Visitor Centre, Kinson Community Centre, Access Wellbeing Hub in The Dolphin Centre and in various libraries.

Taylor Swift named her 1989 album after her birth year, so Pat Shepherd did the same thing in her version