Submission date extension 29th Sept for open exhibition: What brings me joy
What Brings Me Joy launched on Saturday 8th November 2025 and runs until 30th April 2026.
The exhibition features work from 25 artists who responded to explore the theme of joy: what brings it, how it feels, and where it can be found.
Girls summer garden party by Rie Suto
Punchhead by Caroline Watson
About the Artists
The artists have used a wide range of media including oils, watercolour, pencil, textiles, collage, and sculpture.
Their pieces are displayed throughout the museum’s galleries, integrated with the existing collection.
Visitors are invited to discover them through a self-guided treasure hunt, designed to encourage exploration and reflection.
Inspired by our history
A fresh take
The exhibition is inspired by the history of Glenside Hospital, where since the mid-1800s, creativity and purposeful activity have played a key role in health care.
The artists in this exhibition are displaying their personal take on areas of enjoyment in their lives, primarily focused on recreation and down time.
Glenside Hospital original buildings
Collage by Ali Brown
Artist spotlight
Ali Brown
Ali Brown creates projects that shine a light on the things we often overlook - like kindness, compassion, and courage. Her work celebrates the unseen, the everyday, and the quietly powerful.
“I believe creativity is for everyone and that it can be a powerful tool for healing, expression and joy. My Found Wisdom collages are rooted in this belief - they are my space to play, discover, and heal. I first started making them just after my daughter was born, in the stolen in-between moments while learning to be a mum.
This work celebrates the joy of belonging - the heart-glowing comfort of knowing that you are part of something, and deeply connected to something much bigger than yourself.”
Nurturing wellbeing
Creative activities support mental health
One aspect of staying mentally well is doing things that bring us joy.
Historically, Glenside Hospital recognised the value of creative and purposeful activity as part of recovery. With this exhibition, we want to highlight the continued relevance of that idea today.
Reflection by Judith Craddock
The Afters by Barnaby Wessell
Artist spotlight
Barnaby Wessell
This etching (intaglio print) drawn from memory, depicts the 'Afters' taking place in the artist's Glasgow flat.
The moment when the narratives of the night coalesce to their conclusions and drunken fevers give way to soporific musings of bed.
Amid the 'crazy stories' happening in the work there's also a sense of safety having returned home for the night - embodied in the image of a giant gently catching a falling figure.
What brings you joy?
An invitation for reflection
By showcasing a wide range of artistic responses to joy, we hope to offer visitors not only an inspiring and uplifting experience, but also a moment to think about what brings them joy - and how those things can support their mental wellbeing.
Collection of artworks by Julie Begen
Photo gallery
Visit Us
Glenside Hospital Museum is located within the grounds of the old psychiatric hospital housed in the 1881 Grade II listed asylum church. The main hospital building is now used by the University of West of England as their Health and Social Care Campus. We’re in situated in the Grade II listed church just inside the grounds. For more details, including group booking and accessibility, please see our visiting page.
"A fabulous history of the area, the hospitals, and of approaches to mental health and learning disabilities. An amazing array of artefacts, surgical instruments and ephemera. The staff were really welcoming and knowledgeable. Absolutely loved it!"
Lea Roberts
