Bethlem Hospital museum shows how art can help Mental Health (day, work)

[Bamford]

Originally Posted by BBC

The Bethlem Royal Hospital in south London is the world's oldest psychiatric institution, treating patients for nearly eight centuries.

Previously known as Bedlam, over the years the hospital has acquired a huge and significant collection of art and artefacts, much of it by patients.

For years it has been stored in unsuitable temporary accommodation.

On Thursday a new £4m gallery and museum to show off the collection opens to the public.

BBC News was given access to the new space to see how art can play a role in mental health and met one former patient whose work is included in the exhibition.

BBC News - Bethlem Hospital museum shows how art can help mental health

Museum of the Mind

From rare plants, heart surgery, illuminated manuscripts, and helicopter emergency services, to pharmacies, false teeth and Freud, the exhibits in London's museums help to place the history and development of medicine and health care in its wides