Bethlem Gallery facts for kids
Main building of Bethlem Royal Hospital, which houses the Bethlem Museum of the Mind and the Bethlem Gallery
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| Formation | 1997 |
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| Type | Subsidiary of the Maudsley Charity (UK registered number 1055440-3) |
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Area served
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National |
| Method | Exhibitions and events are programmed throughout the year; Campaign for access to the arts in healthcare environments |
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Key people
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Sophie Leighton, Gallery Director |
The Bethlem Gallery is a special art gallery located in Beckenham, a part of London, England. It was started in 1997. The main goal of the gallery is to support and show the artwork of artists. These artists are people who are currently or used to be patients of the South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust. The gallery is in a cool Art Deco building. It shares this building with the Bethlem Museum of the Mind, which has exhibits about the history of the Bethlem Royal Hospital.
The small team at the gallery works hard to help artists. They especially help those who might feel left out from the art world. The gallery offers a place where artists can work together. They can also try new things and share their art skills with each other.
Why Art Matters at Bethlem Gallery
Art can be a powerful way for people to express themselves. It helps them to feel better and stay creative. One artist from Bethlem, named Lee, once said something important about this. He explained that while medicine and talking to someone can help you get back to everyday life, it's what you learn at places like the gallery that keeps your mind active and your spirit strong.
The Art Studio: A Creative Space
For patients who stay at the hospital for a longer time, the art studio is a very important place. It gives them a chance to spend time away from their hospital ward. It's a calm and inspiring space where they can focus on their art.
What You Can Create in the Studio
The studio has many different tools and materials. These resources help artists create all kinds of art. Some of the things you can do there include:
- Making sculptures
- Creating paintings
- Doing drawings
- Learning printmaking
- Trying screen printing
The studio encourages artists to explore different art forms. It helps them find new ways to express their feelings and ideas.
See also
- Bethlem Royal Hospital
External links
- Bethlem Gallery website
- Guardian Gallery Sample Images and text
- Outsider Art Movement article from the Bromley Times
- Raw Vision, Nuala Ernest, Issue 85, 2015
