Glenside Hospital Museum will be welcoming the thought-provoking exhibition Mood States by London-based artist Annabel Merrett, from Saturday 17 May. Previously shown at prestigious venues such as the Royal College of Psychiatrists and The Museum of the Mind, this striking collection now comes to Bristol as part of Mental Health Awareness Week (12- 18 May).
Image: Mood States
Mood States features a series of twelve head sculptures, each representing a different emotional or psychological state. Displayed throughout the museum, these powerful pieces offer a physical manifestation of the mind's complexity, inviting visitors to reflect on their own experiences and the history of mental health care.
Merrett began the series by sculpting self-portrait heads based on her own cranial measurements. She then cut cross sections into them—echoing anatomical study—to explore the mind’s depths. Inside, bold, poetic symbols spill out, reflecting how intense emotions can overtake us. Through these works, Merrett makes the invisible visible, exploring human motivations in ways that are thoughtful, humorous, and at times unsettling.
"Through Mood States, I aim to give tangible form to the often-invisible struggles of mental ill health," explains artist Annabel Merrett. "By presenting these charged emotions in a sculptural form, I hope to foster empathy and remind viewers that they are not alone in their experiences."
Stella Man, Director of Glenside Hospital Museum, says:“With its deep roots in the history of mental health care, Glenside Hospital Museum provides a powerful and fitting backdrop for this exhibition. We’re delighted to be hosting Mood States as part of our PoW! Programme—an innovative initiative, supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, that promotes mental health and wellbeing through meaningful engagement with the museum’s unique heritage.”
As part of the launch of the exhibition, there will be a unique and interactive experience on Saturday, 17th May, 10am, featuring a hands-on workshop and intriguing treasure hunt using Annabel Merrett's miniature plaster brains – a fascinating way to engage with the themes of the exhibition. Head to Eventbrite to book.
Mood States opens on Saturday 17 May until 10 September 2025, at Glenside Hospital Museum, The Church, Glenside Campus, Blackberry Hill, Bristol BS16 1DD. Wednesdays, 10am-1pm & Saturdays 10am-4pm. £5 per ticket (annual pass). Under 18s free with parent/guardian. Find out more at glensidemuseum.org.uk, book tickets here, or buy them on the day. https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/glenside-hospital-museum-12733148452
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