Celestine Lewis Nursing Auxillary At Glenside Hospital
Celebrating 40 Years of Glenside Hospital Museum
HRH The Princess Royal with an Industrial Therapy Organisation worker and Doctor Donal Early, taken on the 29th October 1969
Celebrating 40 Years of Glenside Hospital Museum’s Educational Excellence
Something truly extraordinary is happening at Glenside Hospital Museum!
On the 6th February 2025, the museum will proudly welcome Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal to mark forty years of providing a dynamic educational resource for the general public and a safe space to discuss mental health.
A Royal Connection Through the Years
Did you know this isn’t Her Royal Highness’ first visit to Glenside? The Princess Royal has a long-standing connection with the museum, having previously visited in 1969, one of her earliest public engagements, and again in 1988.
These visits included tours of pioneering mental healthcare services in Bristol, such as the Industrial Therapy Organisation and the newly opened secure unit, Fromeside Clinic, at Glenside Hospital.
HRH Princess Royal's first public engagement was opening the Industrial Therapy Organisation (ITO) workshops at Lydstep Terrace, Dean Lane, BS3 1DR on 29th October 1969
A Journey Through History
The museum was established by the eminent psychiatrist Dr Donal M. Early, who also hosted Her Royal Highness’ visit in 1969.
Glenside Hospital Museum offers a captivating glimpse into the past. Visitors can immerse themselves in exhibits that chronicle the hospital’s evolution—from its origins as a psychiatric institution to its time as the Beaufort War Hospital, which treated nearly 30,000 wounded soldiers during WWI. Among its treasures, you’ll find the story of Sir Stanley Spencer, the celebrated artist who served as an orderly here and later depicted hospital life in his art.
The museum also sheds light on the history of the Stoke Park Colony, a pioneering institution for people with learning disabilities. Through photographs, artefacts, and personal stories, Glenside Hospital Museum invites us to reflect on the progress made in healthcare and consider how we can continue to protect and support
wellbeing today.
Dr Donal Early with HRH Princess Royal in 1969
Looking Ahead: Protecting Our Wellbeing
Glenside Hospital Museum is not just about preserving history — it’s about shaping the future.
Thanks to funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, 2025 will see the launch of the PoW! (Protect Our Wellbeing) initiative.
PoW! is an innovative initiative designed to empower individuals to explore and enhance their mental health and overall wellbeing by engaging with Glenside Hospital Museum’s unique heritage.
This exciting project promises even more community involvement, engaging activities for visitors and a strengthened foundation to ensure the museum continues to thrive for future generations. Watch this space for exciting activities and events during 2025.
