Our extensive collection illustrates the changes and development in the treatment and care of people with mental illness and other mental disabilities from 1850s to the late 20th century. The objects, images and history have been collected from several institutions including Bristol’s psychiatric hospital, which had a brief spell as Beaufort War Hospital during the First World War, and the houses which looked after people with disabilities and learning difficulties. All were closed by the year 2000.
The museum provides a stimulating environment to discuss mental health, there is something to interest everyone, from straitjackets and a padded cell to following a quiz round the First World War exhibition.
We have a small sample on loan from Steve England’s local fossil collection from the grounds of Stoke Park, including a rare horse tooth from 150 million years ago.
For researchers we have a small library of books, publications and Oral Histories – voices from inside Glenside.
Our objects are catalogued and digitised; we have a regular Object of the Month slot on our Facebook page. We are about to embark on sorting and listing our images and other paper information. If you have time to volunteer and help us please do contact us.
Below is our Pinterest account set up by Bethany Lamont showing many of the images from our collection.
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