An exhibition space showcasing how art can help mental health has opened at the heart of the world’s oldest psychiatric institution in Beckenham.

The Bethlem Royal Hospital, on Monks Orchard Road, previously known as ‘Bedlam’, has been treating patients for almost eight centuries.

And over the years the hospital has acquired a huge collection of artworks and objects, much of it created by patients past and present.

Today, (February 19) a £4m gallery and museum built to house the entire collection opened to the public.

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Artwork is on display by renowned artists who spent years in Bethlem hospital including detailed fairy painter Richard Dadd, who was locked up after murdering his father, and biblical artist Jonathan Martin, who tried to burn down York Minster.

The artefacts were formerly spread across two buildings, Bethlem Museum, which opened in 1970, and Bethlem Gallery, set up in 1997 to support artists who are current or former patients of the South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust.

Former patient Daniel Duggan, of Albemarle Road, Beckenham, began producing charcoal-based art on the wards before he was encouraged to display his work at the old gallery.

The 41-year-old former musician told News Shopper: "I don’t use colour. I was in a pretty dark space and so, it kind of reflected my mental state at that time.

"I wouldn’t say you are ever completely free of your demons but you do find healthier ways of dealing with them."

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Mr Duggan, who is also a budding poet, has gone on to have his art showcased at national exhibitions and will lead workshops at the museum and gallery next month.

He added: "People usually think of CBT and medication - the institutional treatments.

"Art will become far more recognised now when it comes to mental health recovery.

"I think it’s fantastic. It’s an amazing building - a complete step up. It’s really, really exciting and I’m very proud to be involved."

Victoria Northwood, archives and museum head, said: "The archives and museum at Bethlem have always been rather a hidden gem.

"The move to new facilities is transformative, enabling us to publicise our collections more widely."

Museum of the Mind and the Bethlem Gallery will open from Wednesdays to Fridays and on the first and last Saturdays of the month.