Home > Europe > United Kingdom > England > London > Towns > Brixton
St. Anns Royal Asylum, Brixton 1857
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Mary Evans Picture Library
St. Anns Royal Asylum, Brixton 1857
Exterior of St. Anns Royal Asylum in Brixton, London. Date: 1857
Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries
Media ID 20159937
© Illustrated London News Ltd/Bubblepunk
1850s 1857 Anns Asylum Asylums Brixton
FEATURES IN THESE COLLECTIONS
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> England
> London
> Royalty
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> England
> London
> Towns
> Brixton
> Mary Evans Prints Online
> London
> Mary Evans Prints Online
> New Images July 2020
EDITORS COMMENTS
St. Ann's Royal Asylum, Brixton, London, 1857: A Glimpse into the Past of Mental Health Care This evocative image captures the exterior of St. Ann's Royal Asylum in Brixton, London, as it appeared in 1857. The asylum, founded in 1841, was one of the largest mental health institutions in the UK during the Victorian era, with a capacity to accommodate over 1,200 patients. The imposing neoclassical building, with its grand columns and intricate stonework, reflects the institutional approach to mental health care prevalent during the 1850s. The asylum was designed to provide a sense of order, discipline, and respectability, with a focus on isolation and segregation of patients based on their perceived level of insanity. Despite its impressive facade, life inside St. Ann's Royal Asylum was far from ideal. Patients were often subjected to harsh living conditions, with long hours of confinement, inadequate nutrition, and limited opportunities for therapy or rehabilitation. The use of restraints, such as chains and straitjackets, was common. The asylum's grounds, which included gardens and farmland, provided some respite for patients, allowing them to engage in agricultural activities and enjoy fresh air and sunlight. However, the primary goal of the institution was to remove the mentally ill from society and keep them hidden away from public view. This photograph offers a glimpse into the past of mental health care in the UK during the Victorian era, highlighting the stark contrast between the institutional approach and the more humane and compassionate care that would eventually emerge in the 20th century.
MADE IN THE UK
Safe Shipping with 30 Day Money Back Guarantee
FREE PERSONALISATION*
We are proud to offer a range of customisation features including Personalised Captions, Color Filters and Picture Zoom Tools
SECURE PAYMENTS
We happily accept a wide range of payment options so you can pay for the things you need in the way that is most convenient for you
* Options may vary by product and licensing agreement. Zoomed Pictures can be adjusted in the Basket.
