Portraits from a “lunatic asylum” or the Inmates at West Riding Asylum, in Yorkshire, England
Private madhouses proliferated in 18th century Britain on a scale unseen elsewhere. In 1800s, psychiatry was becoming established as a medical specialty. The West Riding Pauper Lunatic Asylum, where these portraits were taken, was a prime example of an operating Victorian mental institution.
In around 1610, patients were put on display to the public, partly as a form of moral instruction and to raise funds. People who visited such asylums during this time came up with nickname “Bedlam” which is synonymous with chaos and disorder.
The West Riding Pauper Lunatic Asylum is designed to keep patients isolated from the rest of society. It was only closed in 1995 and was converted into apartments.
Woman suffering from acute melancholia.
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“Lunatics of every description are shut up. Many inoffensive madmen walk in the big gallery. The second floor is reserved for dangerous maniacs, most of them being chained and terrible to behold.” — CÉSAR DE SAUSSURE’S ACCOUNT OF A VISIT TO BETHLEM, 1725
“Monomania of pride” patient.
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“Consecutive dementia” female patient.
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Woman suffering from chronic mania.
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Man suffering from mania of suspicion.
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“Senile dementia” patient.
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Prisoner.
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Man suffering from consecutive dementia.
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“Simple mania” patient.
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“Imbecility” patient.
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“Organic dementia” patient.
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Woman suffering from “general paralysis.”
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“Mono-mania of pride” patient.
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