Bethlem Gallery — Attraction in London

"I must say I enjoyed today To speak with special folk Whose outlook and experience Mirror my creative work OK.." Future Selves Beth Hopkins 2022 -

My encountering the BG was incidental, although a friend had done the reconnaissance and skilfully diverted me from the Charlotte Johnson-Wahl I'd come up to view, and drop into the Gallery Studio..

What did I walk into? A long-table of welcoming Artists .. my Ukraine built Kiev camera 60 years old with its Jupiter lens was an immediate talking point..

I exchanged some notes on analog film and was drawn to BH's craft and expression in ink.

I presented a gift of my Pilot Metropolitan Lizard pen and a roll of Lomax 400 35mm colour film.

The best French-press coffee was served immediately.. hospitably .. the babble of creative exchange a counterpoint to the aroma .. I wasn't prepared for this encyclopaedia of dialogic encouragement and enjoyment.

How had I not encountered the BG till now?

If all this sounds waffle for a review .. the BG is where 'mental health and fine art field an itinerary for the question 'When are we our true selves?' cf Future Selves.

My grateful...

Interesting historic gallery focusing on mental health & illness from antiquity to modernity. Contemporary arts exhibitions, small cafe & one off workshops on offer. Set in the hospital grounds which have some nice parkland nearby. A small gallery but an...

One of my favourite Galleries with outstanding and authentic works of art and installations. Definitely worth a visit. Get a train to Eden Park then a bus the 356 to Shirley its a few stops down. Get off at The Bethlem...