The Archive and Museum of the Bethlem Royal Hospital has a wealth of resources to support the curriculum in school and encourage lifelong learning.

The art collection contains 850 works, including a number by Richard Dadd and Louis Wain. The subjects and themes covered vary considerably. These could be used to stimulate creativity in Art and English.

The archive, with documents from the twelfth century and a continuous record of the hospital since 1559, forms a unique resource for the study of mental health over time. These materials could assist the teaching of PSHE and Citizenship, where a more historical perspective could make it easier to discuss difficult areas. There are also links to examination subjects such as Health and Social Care, Medicine through Time, and Psychology and Sociology.

The documents, photographs and artefacts in the collection offer an effective way of bringing the past alive through the study of real people and their experiences. Primary sources support the teaching of History and the skills of the historian.

The Archive and Museum encourages visits from schools and other educational groups. These can be tailored to meet the specific need of the visit. We also deliver a range of outreach programmes in schools.

In addition to regular visits, the Archives and Museum also organises events for teachers and takes part in specific educational projects.

In 2005 Bethlem Royal Hospital Archives and Museum was involved with Young Cultural Creators. For more information about this project, click here.

For more information, please contact the Education Outreach officer:

Tel:  020 3228 4537

Email: Click here to contact education staff