‘Taking a Turn’ has been developed by gardening therapist and garden designer, Rebecca Smith in partnership with Kings College London, and Bethlem Royal Hospital at South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust (SLaM), to explore the mental health history of hospital gardens over more than 200 years. 

Supported by a People Award from the Wellcome Trust, the installation uses historical archives and contemporary patient narratives to tell the story of how horticulture can be part of a therapeutic regime. Rebecca works with Dr Clare Hickman from the Department of History who is co-applicant and historical advisor for Rebecca's Wellcome People Award.

Current patients at the Royal Bethlem Hospital participated in the project by reflecting on how they experience the hospital gardens. These reflections are embedded within the walls of the installation, alongside the rarely heard voices of past patients.The garden installation is built around an early ‘airing court’, for visitors to take therapeutic fresh air. It is constructed of a healing plaster cast, with voices from patients past and present in its walls. A series of public talks around the themes of mental health, hospital gardens and therapeutic horticulture will also be held at the installation throughout the festival.

"It has been an exciting and delicate time to be able to creatively explore such a hidden history and discover unheard voices from these institutions. The psychogeography of locating the installation in Bedlam’s original site adds a subtle layer to the project, for me," says Rebecca.

Now in its fourth year, the Chelsea Fringe Festival is an alternative sister event to the RHS Chelsea Flower show. It runs from 16 May to 7 June 2015, and showcases a wide range of work from professionals and enthusiasts, both from the gardening world and beyond. Further information on ‘Taking a Turn’ can be found on the Chelsea Fringe website.

Location: 2 Exchange Square, Chelsea Fringe, EC2A 2EH, London, Saltpoint Bar

When: 18/05/2015 (09:00) - 05/06/2015 (17:00)