avatarSusie Kearley

Summary

The Wellcome Collection's "Bedlam: the asylum and beyond" exhibition provided a historical overview of the infamous Bethlem Royal Hospital, detailing its origins, evolution, and the changing landscape of psychiatric medicine in the UK.

Abstract

The Wellcome Collection in London once hosted an exhibition titled "Bedlam: the asylum and beyond," which delved into the tumultuous history of Britain's oldest psychiatric institution, the Bethlem Royal Hospital. Established in 1247, Bethlem Hospital has a storied past, marked by notorious conditions and controversial treatment methods. The exhibition showcased the transformation of mental health care, from the dark days of patient exploitation and inhumane treatments to the adoption of more humane practices and the eventual move towards drug-based therapies. It featured a collection of historical artifacts, including photographs, patient records, and artwork, illustrating the progression of mental health treatment and societal attitudes towards mental illness over the centuries.

Opinions

  • The author expresses a personal fascination with Victorian lunatic asylums, which motivated their visit to the exhibition.
  • The initial conditions of Bethlem Hospital were deemed appalling, with the author noting the facility was once described as "unfit for habitation" after an inspection.
  • There is a critical view of the early treatment methods, such as electroshock therapy, which were seen as traumatic and inhumane by patients.
  • The author acknowledges a shift in societal compassion, which led to the abandonment of physical restraints and a move towards more ethical treatment practices.
  • Despite advancements, the author points out that even in the 1940s, electroconvulsive therapy was still in use, causing significant side effects.
  • The exhibition is praised for its comprehensive display of historical records and modern artworks, reflecting the evolution of mental healthcare approaches.
  • The author suggests that the topic of mental health and its history continues to captivate and educate visitors, indicating the enduring relevance of the subject matter.

Bedlam: Britain’s Most Notorious Lunatic Asylum

Exploring the fascinating history of psychiatric medicine at the Wellcome Collection, London

Author: Hogarth, William, 1697–1764, artist Language(s): English Format: Still image Subject(s): Mental Disorders Abstract: Interior of the Bethlehem Hospital, London. Extent: 1 print : 33 x 39 cm. Technique: engraving NLM Unique ID: 101394076 NLM Image ID: A024102 Permanent Link: resource.nlm.nih.gov/101394076

Victorian lunatic asylums have always been a source of fascination for me, so when after an appointment in London, I passed the Wellcome Collection, promoting its exhibition entitled ‘Bedlam: the asylum and beyond’, I couldn’t not take a look!

The exhibition explored the history of lunatic asylums in the UK, the lives of the patients and the treatments they were given.

Bethlem Royal Hospital opened in 1247 and although it’s moved several times, it still exists today, operating as an NHS hospital. It was supposed to be a place of sanctuary, but the squalid conditions and terrible treatment methods were far from what we’d consider a sanctuary today.

In 1598 visitor tours began. It became part of the tour of London, alongside the royal palaces and London Zoo. Public reaction led to an inspection — the first in 40 years!

The inspectors reported it was unfit for habitation. A programme of repairs and improvements was initiated, but the restraints, screaming, and trauma of those hospitalised gave it a reputation of being like hell on earth.

It continued to operate with some improvements after the inspection but remained notorious, using treatments such as electroshock therapies that patients claimed cured their symptoms, just so they didn’t have to endure it any more.

Over time a more compassionate society emerged, and the use of restraints was lessened, then abandoned. The quality of British asylums was very mixed, with some offering good care, and other neglecting patients.

Even in the 1940s, electroconvulsive therapy continued to be used, causing all sorts of problems for patients, including convulsions, memory loss, and a feeling of suffocation.

Today there are many different approaches to therapy, but more are drug based.

The Wellcome Collection’s exhibition was fascinating, with old images of Bethlem Hospital on display. There were books and papers going back to the 19th century, portraying the hospital in an unflattering light, and artworks to reflect more modern approaches to mental healthcare.

The Bedlam exhibition was temporary and has since closed, but the topic continues to fascinate visitors, and if you visit the Welcome Collection today, you’ll still gain fascinating insight to the history of Medicine.

Read more about it here…

© Susie Kearley 2023. All Rights Reserved

More from me…

History
Mental Health
Bedlam
London
UK
Recommended from ReadMedium