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Mental Health Museum

Page Liked · 6 January · 

Yesterday we were visited by textile designer Amanda Woollard who took inspiration from our museum collections for her BA in Surface Design and Textile Innovation. Amanda has created delicate and beautiful pieces that respond to experiences recorded by Mary Frances Heaton.

Mary was a music mistress who was admitted to the West Riding Lunatic Asylum on 16th Sept 1837. She recorded her thoughts and frustrations at her admittance to the asylum as well damning indictments against those in power in beautiful stitched samplers. You can see Mary's original samplers on display at the Mental Health Museum.

http://www.artsthread.com/portfolios/darkcorners/

Image: 'Mary Frances Heaton Sampler' © Mental Health Museum.

https://www.facebook.com/Mental-Health-Museum-1411952179024477/

Revisiting Research .

I have enjoyed looking through my research notes from which I hope to continue my study of rehabilitation during the mid to late nineteenth century. My main research focuses on a female patient incarcerated in West Riding Asylum with symptoms of epilepsy and insanity. Mary dealt with her fate in an emotional but practical manner using her artistic flare for embroidery to engage us in her plight. Her samplers are biographical and historical pieces which represent a period when mental health was only just beginning to be understood. Occupational therapies such as gardening, weaving, painting were used to develop patients well being and rehabilitation.I have found in my own work embroidery has helped center my thoughts. Difficulties seem to fade and my artistry takes over. I believe the repetition of stitch soothes the mind and helps us escape from our conscious every day thoughts.