Project Statement

At first, William settled well into his new home. But then again, he was only three years old when he was committed. The judges diagnosis, “stupid”. This is how things were done in the 1950’s when society wanted to hide away its less fortunate people.

He spent most of his childhood confined to his crib. By his teenage years William was becoming a problem. He was becoming abusive. His “carers” wanted to have him moved away. However, this time there was nowhere for him to be moved to. By adulthood he could no longer be trusted with his fellow patients, and he remained a problem until 1991 when his “home” for the past almost 35 years was closed down following claims of patient abuse.

Today, William’s records remain, scattered amongst hundreds of similar stories of neglect and suffering. The buildings are slowly decaying and one cannot help but wonder if the failing structures somehow resemble the failures of society at large. Nature or a property developer will eventually rescue the buildings. Who, or what will rescue society?

Arthur Ransome Photography

Project Statement