Presented by Oxford Health Charity and curated by the University of Oxford’s History of Science Museum, the exhibition will run until 21 March. It will then be followed by a further six exhibitions in venues across Oxfordshire throughout the year.

The exhibitions, which are all free to enter, are part of a year-long programme of events to mark 200 years of the Warneford Hospital, which has been made possible thanks to a £156,000 grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Since its opening in July 1826, the Warneford has been a working hospital at the heart of mental health care. Over the last twelve months, a team of historians and researchers have been delving into its archives and speaking with former patients and staff.

This research has culminated in a fascinating story of how mental health care has evolved in Oxfordshire over two centuries, shaped by the people who lived, worked and received treatment at the Warneford Hospital.

Dr Jane Freebody, a historian of psychiatry and Warneford 200 programme advisor, said the bicentenary is not just a moment to reflect on the past, but a chance to uncover and share untold stories from patients, staff and the wider community.

She said: “Through archival images, personal stories, and historic objects, visitors can explore how the understanding and treatment of mental health have evolved and meet the people who made that journey possible.”

Visitors will be able to listen to first-hand accounts from people who have worked or stayed at the Warneford, or used its services, as well as look at photos and drawings of the hospital from the past.

Artefacts relating to the treatment and care of patients over the past 200 years, such as admission records and case books, will also be on display, giving visitors the opportunity to learn how the hospital has grown and developed to become one of the leading research centres into mental health in the country.

At the end of March, the exhibition moves to Headington, before touring Wantage, Woodstock, Banbury, Didcot and Abingdon.

Other events taking place to commemorate Warneford Hospital during the year include a new therapy garden constructed in the Warneford grounds, a theatre performance, workshops and talks for the public.

For further information about Warneford 200 and the events taking place, please visit: www.warneford200.co.uk

Notes

Warneford 200 – Mental Health Through the Ages is organised by Oxford Health Charity, in partnership with the History of Science Museum at the University of Oxford; the Community History Hub at the University of Oxford; the Centre for Medical Humanities, Oxford Brookes University; Oxfordshire Recovery College at Restore; and Oxfordshire Health Archives.

Warneford 200 has been made possible thanks to funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, The National Archives, Stanley Smith (UK) Horticultural Trust, PYE Trust, The Gardens Trust, John Fell Oxford University Press Research Fund, Oxford University Participatory Research Fund, Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust and other donors who wish to remain anonymous.

Oxford Health Charity supports patients, their families and carers, and staff across Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust by funding projects and initiatives that go beyond NHS provision. From enhancing hospital environments to funding creative therapies, specialist equipment and wellbeing programmes, the charity ensures every donation makes a real difference to the people in our care.

Exhibition dates

• 15 January 2026 – 21 March 2026: Museum of Oxford
• 28 March 2026 – 17 April 2026: Glass Tank, Oxford Brookes University
• 20 April 2026 – 2 May 2026: Museum of Wantage
• 13 June 2026 – 5 July 2026: Museum of Oxfordshire, Woodstock
• 7 July 2026 – 1 August 2026: The Mill Arts Centre, Banbury
• 5 August 2026 – 2 October 2026: The Cornerstone Arts Centre, Didcot
• 6 October – 22 December: Abingdon County Hall Museum, Abingdon