Our Gallery Club explores the restorative power of art
Our Gallery Club explores the restorative power of art
15 May 2024
The group visits different museums and galleries in and around West London every month, offering patients the chance to meet and connect with others and enjoy private tours of these spaces.
Sarah is one of the first outpatients who started attending Gallery Club after experiencing a stroke.
She said: “I look forward to seeing galleries old and new to me in friendly company. There’s a feeling of wellbeing by coming close to art again, especially after illness.
“The visits are always planned excellently. All routes are accessible and if you’re hampered by a speech impediment caused by a stroke, it’s of no consequence.”
"I absolutely love attending these outings. It’s so good for my recovery and mental health... I always feel uplifted and stimulated after attending."
Jim, Gallery Club member
Through Gallery Club we also hope to improve museums and galleries’ understanding of how to make their spaces more accessible for people going through recovery.
Jim also started attending the gallery tours after receiving treatment for a brain injury.
He said: “I absolutely love attending these outings. It’s so good for my recovery and mental health because I'm mixing with others who have had similar experiences. I always feel uplifted and stimulated after attending.
“If you haven't been or tried it yet please make the effort. Talking to new people, sharing your experience, and seeing new places is so worthwhile.”
Visits so far have included, The Saatchi Gallery, V&A, The National Gallery and The Wallace Collection.
During a recent visit to the V&A, the group received a tour from Jane Reddish, who has been a guide at the museum for over 30 years.
Jane expressed her enthusiasm for our arts initiative and sees it as supporting people’s sense of wellbeing.
She said: “Art and design can bring complete strangers together. It’s a joy to see people sharing a feeling of wonder and forgetting the frustrations and anxieties of the world.”
The Gallery Club is a new programme and we welcome new joiners. If you are interested in signing up or would like to find out more information please email arts@imperialcharity.org.uk
