Caroline Hack

Artist making prints, handmade books and textile pieces inspired by Moby Dick and Historic British Whaling and informed by her research and travel. She/her

[Caroline Hack @CarolineHack]

Finally finished my #Whaling Cloak! Inspired by the whaling, #maritime and Inuit collections I’ve seen on my travels. Made as part of the (awesome) Artists’ Programme run by @scvaeducation @SainsburyCentre

[Caroline Hack @CarolineHack]

@forwardnotback Oooh, I think that’s the cruise ship I’m going on in a few weeks!

[Caroline Hack @CarolineHack]

@forwardnotback Just catching up with this - sending good vibes and wishing you more spouts and some good bubble soon .

[Caroline Hack @CarolineHack]

@forwardnotback Yes!

[Caroline Hack @CarolineHack]

@aliciaandrz Sending love and hugs to you and your family.

[Sacha Coward @sacha_coward]

Hey Listen!

This December I'm running a videogame themed tour of the British Museum.

Join me for a whistlestop tour of some of the real stories behind your favourite videogames and see some of the incredible artefacts that inspired them!

https://t.co/2M9MpgySIH

[Caroline Hack @CarolineHack]

@forwardnotback Gaaaah. Quid.

[Caroline Hack @CarolineHack]

@forwardnotback And a quit by Sunday.

[Cian McCarthy @arealmofwonder]

Rest in peace, Patricia Routledge 🙏🏻

In memory of her, I encourage everyone to read these words of hers from February last year.

Whether young or old, you're bound to get something out of it.

*****

"I’ll be turning 95 this coming Monday. In my younger years, I was often filled with worry — worry that I wasn’t quite good enough, that no one would cast me again, that I wouldn’t live up to my mother’s hopes. But these days begin in peace, and end in gratitude.

My life didn’t quite take shape until my forties. I had worked steadily — on provincial stages, in radio plays, in West End productions — but I often felt adrift, as though I was searching for a home within myself that I hadn’t quite found.

At 50, I accepted a television role that many would later associate me with — Hyacinth Bucket, of Keeping Up Appearances. I thought it would be a small part in a little series. I never imagined that it would take me into people’s living rooms and hearts around the world. And truthfully, that role taught me to accept my own quirks. It healed something in me.

At 60, I began learning Italian — not for work, but so I could sing opera in its native language. I also learned how to live alone without feeling lonely. I read poetry aloud each evening, not to perfect my diction, but to quiet my soul.

At 70, I returned to the Shakespearean stage — something I once believed I had aged out of. But this time, I had nothing to prove. I stood on those boards with stillness, and audiences felt that. I was no longer performing. I was simply being.

At 80, I took up watercolour painting. I painted flowers from my garden, old hats from my youth, and faces I remembered from the London Underground. Each painting was a quiet memory made visible.

Now, at 95, I write letters by hand. I’m learning to bake rye bread. I still breathe deeply every morning. I still adore laughter — though I no longer try to make anyone laugh. I love the quiet more than ever.

I’m writing this to tell you something simple:

Growing older is not the closing act. It can be the most exquisite chapter — if you let yourself bloom again.

Let these years ahead be your TREASURE YEARS.

You don’t need to be famous. You don’t need to be flawless.

You only need to show up — fully — for the life that is still yours.

With love and gentleness,

Patricia Routledge

*****

Once more, rest in peace. 🤍

[Caroline Hack @CarolineHack]

@amandajp17 I have already alerted my husband!

[Caroline Hack @CarolineHack]

@SteelySeabirder I’ve been looking at it all week from Cellardyke!

[Caroline Hack @CarolineHack]

@jollytoadstool I’d go green because the yellow may distract from the lovely sunflower pattern.

[Caroline Hack @CarolineHack]

@MuseumsAssoc @SainsburyCentre As a very regular user of the @SainsburyCentre I have watched (mostly from the excellent Terrace cafe) Jago’s Directorship develop and it’s been a delight to see (admittedly as an outsider) the transformation with a supported staff and an extraordinary vision. Love it!

[Lynn Museum @Lynn_Museum]

📢 Job Opportunity! 📢

Lynn Museum is looking to appoint a Newman Curator as maternity cover to join our curatorial team.

🗓️ Applications close 27 July 2025. For more information and to apply, click here: https://t.co/j7MRAnBmnl

[Caroline Hack @CarolineHack]

@philipwhale If you have the time in Norwich. I think the Will the Sea Survive Us exhibition @SainsburyCentre at UEA might be of interest to you.

[Caroline Hack @CarolineHack]

@trussliz I’m so glad you are no longer my MP.

[Caroline Hack @CarolineHack]

@kejamieson_ Nobel Prizes have been given for less!

[Terry Jermy MP @TerryJermyMP]

I know from personal experience how difficult the PIP & UC process can be.

I came into politics pledging to be a voice for disabled and vulnerable people and advocate for those who so often do not have anyone fighting their corner.

https://t.co/mR3DE157Mi

[Caroline Hack @CarolineHack]

@forwardnotback All rather heavy choices for lunch!

[Museum of Zoology, Cambridge @ZoologyMuseum]

🙂APPLY NOW - We are seeking a Senior Collections Lead to manage our Collections Management, Care & Conservation teams.🦋 Closes Sun 22 June. https://t.co/cIK3eNfZpT @CamUnivMuseums