A TAPESTRY made by patients at Bethlem Royal Hospital in Beckenham will be unveiled in a new exhibition.
Led by artist Mark McGowan, The Bethlam Tapestry will be on display at the hospital's Bethlem Gallery from September 22 and is the fruit of a six month project by Dr Sukhi Shergill, consultant psychiatrist to the hospital’s psychosis unit.
The piece is comprised of images and text made by the participants, who also included staff and care workers, depicting the experiences, thoughts and feelings in their daily lives.
Roughly 10 metres long and consisting of four panels of printed silk, it will go on permanent display in the ward.
Well-known London performance artist McGowan is also a former patient of the hospital, having spent time at their between 1992 and 1998.
He said: "I was very ill and in a really bad state. "As a patient I was given access to the arts facilities and never looked back.
"I wanted to create a special body of work that I hope lives on at the Bethlem for years to come.”
The new exhibition, which will run until October 15, is scheduled to coincide with World Mental Health Day on October 10.
Running since 1992, the day aims to promote greater public awareness and understanding of mental health and mental illness.
Bethlam Gallery, Bethlam Royal Hospital, Monks Orchard Road, Beckenham. For more information, visit bethlemgallery.com
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