Drawings by Denis Reed
Submission date extension 29th Sept for open exhibition: What brings me joy
Mood States has been exhibited at, among other places, the Royal College of Psychiatrists and The Museum of the Mind. We now welcome this fascinating collection to Glenside Hospital Museum.
Featuring a dozen head sculptures, each representing different mood states, the collection offers a physical manifestation of the mind's inner workings, assuring viewers they are not alone in their darkest thoughts.
Mood States at Glenside Hospital Museum
Annabel Merrett - Exhibition Creator & Artist
About the Artist
London-based artist Annabel Merrett realised during a period of recovery that she had been a 'shadow artist', hovering around artists without confronting her own creativity. Stepping forward, Merrett began painting, later attending art school to learn sculpting.
Based on observations and experiences of mental ill health, her work aims to present this charged topic digestibly, striving to produce compelling, even pleasing art that mirrors life.
Fascinated by the brain's workings, she explores how our unconscious mind motivates our behaviour, often compelling us to return, repeat, and do the very thing we wish to avoid and fear.
Merrett's work is also based on neuro-scientific insights from MRI scans and psychological studies. This research fuels her art, addressing mental health prejudices and reflecting on a society that often confuses the unwell with the 'just' unhappy.
Paint a mini brain
While stocks last
No prior artistic experience is needed and this activity has been thoroughly enjoyed by visitors of all ages, a fun activity for kids and a reflective one for adults.
The perfect accompaniment to our current exhibition: Mood States.
We invite you to join us and let your imagination run wild.
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.
"If you have never been to Glenside Hospital Museum, it is a wonderful museum. It is not gloomy or depressing but fascinating and hopeful. A really progressive institution."
Julie Begen
"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
