The Retreat helped reform mental health care in the 1800s but the voices of those who lived and were treated there are rarely heard.
For World Mental Health Day 2025, this art and archive exhibition gives life to their words, memories and creativity back on site:
Alfred Smith’s diary (1877) – recording his many walks around York, each beginning "took a walk".
Minnie Harrison’s unsent letters (1885) – including a small token inscribed “come to the point.”
James Newby’s poems (1860s) – “Once on a Time a Paper Kite” and “What Might Have Been an Aching Void.”
Join us to explore these hidden stories through art, words and history. There will be an opportunity to create and make art inspired by materials from The Borthwick Institute for Archives.
The event will be held in the former Recreational Room at The Retreat in collaboration with PJ Livesey Holdings Ltd who are now custodians of the site.
For more information contact Griselda [griselda.goldsbrough@gmail.com], or Stephen [hiya@stephenleehodgkins.net], 07951050153.
