Bethlem Royal Hospital, Southwark, London
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Science Photo Library
Bethlem Royal Hospital, Southwark, London
Bethlem Royal Hospital, London, England, 19th century artwork. Also known as Bedlam, this institution was the first in the world to specialise in the treatment of the mentally ill. The first such patients were admitted in the 14th century. It became notorious in the 17th century for ill-treatment of patients. The hospital moved several times, with these premises in St Georges Fields, Southwark, opened in 1815. The hospital moved again in 1930. Six years later, with the wings either side demolished, the central portion of this building became the new home for the Imperial War Museum. This artwork is from a book published in New York in 1866
Science Photo Library features Science and Medical images including photos and illustrations
Media ID 6324043
© MIRIAM AND IRA D. WALLACH DIVISION OF ART, PRINTS AND PHOTOGRAPHS/NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
Architectural Architecture Building Built Environment Child Facade Girl History Of Medicine Hospital Institution Mental Health Pedestrian Pedestrians Psychological Road Urban Victorian Bedlam Bethlem Royal Hospital Brick Building Brick Work Health Care Southwark
EDITORS COMMENTS
This 19th-century artwork captures the grandeur and historical significance of Bethlem Royal Hospital, also known as Bedlam, located in Southwark, London. As the first institution in the world to specialize in treating the mentally ill, its origins date back to the 14th century when it welcomed its first patients. However, it gained notoriety during the 17th century for its cruel treatment of those under its care. The image showcases a magnificent Victorian facade with intricate brickwork that exudes architectural elegance. A bustling road runs alongside the hospital, where pedestrians of all ages and backgrounds can be seen going about their daily lives. Among them is a young girl accompanied by her loyal canine companion. This historic building served as Bethlem Royal Hospital from 1815 until it relocated again in 1930. Interestingly, after six years of abandonment and partial demolition of its wings, this central portion found new life as home to the Imperial War Museum. As we admire this remarkable piece of art from a book published in New York in 1866 by Science Photo Library, we are reminded of both progress and challenges within mental health care throughout history. It stands as a testament to our ongoing journey towards understanding and compassion for those suffering from psychological ailments while serving as an important reminder of how far we have come since these early days of psychiatric medicine.
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