During Mrs Johnson Wahl’s stay, she painted dozens of pieces depicting life at the hospital and upon her discharge went on to requisition a boardroom at the facility to exhibit her work.
She was known for her vibrant portraits but shifted to a more introspective and emotional style in these works.
They depict her personal experiences of mental health struggles, including themes of anxiety and isolation, blending a minimalist, pop-art-inspired aesthetic with subdued tones, a spokesperson for the museum said.
“These paintings are rarely seen and offer a unique insight into Johnson Wahl’s time at Maudsley,” said Colin Gale, director of Bethlem Museum of the Mind.
“They reveal her exceptional ability to observe and convey both the mundane and deeply personal aspects of psychiatric hospital life.”
