Content warning
This section of our exhibition looks at mental health institutions used in the past. It discusses the use of violence and restraint in the ‘treatments’ of patients. Viewer discretion is advised.
Truncheon: A thick, heavy stick, often used as a weapon
High Royds Hospital, Menston, Ilkley, Yorkshire: a corridor. Pencil drawing by Paul Digby, 2003-2004. Wellcome Collection. Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)
Science Museum Group. Bird cage from Sussex Lunatic Asylum. 1996-271/31Science Museum Group Collection Online. Accessed December 5, 2022. https://collection.sciencemuseumgroup.org.uk/objects/co535187/bird-cage-from-sussex-lunatic-asylum-bird-cage.-cage.sex Lunatic Asylum
Science Museum Group. Canvas straitjacket for adults, London, England, 1930-1960. 2005-726Science Museum Group Collection Online. Accessed December 5, 2022. https://collection.sciencemuseumgroup.org.uk/objects/co8064498/canvas-straitjacket-for-adults-london-england-1930-1960-restraint-suit.
Science Museum Group. Leather truncheon used at Narborough Mental Asylum. A637832Science Museum Group Collection Online. Accessed December 5, 2022. https://collection.sciencemuseumgroup.org.uk/objects/co134158/leather-truncheon-used-at-narborough-mental-asylum-truncheon.