Voices from the Asylum
Regular price
€19.99
Almost forgotten by time, tucked away beyond the sight of the passerby, there is a little piece of old England, which was for many years a forgotten wilderness. If it were not for a weather-beaten plaque on the gatepost few would realise that beyond the rusted gates there lies, in unmarked paupers’ graves, 2,861 former patients of the once formidable Menston Asylum.
To be admitted to a lunatic asylum in the nineteenth century was fraught with danger, and in many cases meant a life sentence hidden away from society. It is estimated as many as 30 per cent of the asylum population was incarcerated incorrectly and up until 1959 there was no form of appeal.
Looking into the faces of the long dead, the forgotten former inmates of this once bustling institution, it is impossible not to feel a certain sadness at their plight. Abandoned by an intolerant society and their families these people all had one thing in common, when death came there was no one to shed a tear or collect their remains. They were given a pauper’s funeral and forgotten, until now.
Mark Davis is a fearless, versatile, and passionate photographer, committed to delivering the perfect photographic image. As a keen social historian focusing on 19th century social injustice in particular, Mark has photographed Bradford from the core out for several years, recording the ongoing evolution of the city. Mark has worked for the National Media Museum, ‘Northern Life’ magazine, The BBC, Bedlam and The Imperial War Museum . His work has also been exhibited in Menston under the banner 'Reflecting On High Royds – A Haunting Portrait of the Former Psychiatric Hospital'. He is also closely involved with High Royds Memorial Garden as a campaigner dedicated to giving a voice to those that were sadly without voices in life. Mark makes his home near Haworth, the rugged landscape of which continues his photography and published books.