Normal psychology patient 3 - "mental handicap (slow learner)"

Date:
1976-1978
Reference:
PP/RSI/B/1/3/3
Part of:
Rita Simon Collection
  • Archives and manuscripts

About this work

Description

4 artworks by a patient identified by Rita Simon as "Mental Handicap". The images include paintings of the patient's family, including an image of his mother and siblings, a self-portrait and two images of his brothers.

Publication/Creation

1976-1978

Physical description

4 artworks

Biographical note

A boy of about 11 or 12, who was an average school pupil. His two brothers were delinquent, and considered ready for prison and the patient was thought to be delinquent because of his family's reputation. He was part of a gang who had vandalised a telephone box, but was generally sweet and gentle. He originally asked for a ruler from Rita Simon and was very timid about drawing. He decided to leave school at 15 and was apprenticed to a butcher, before emigrating to America. A sound person, but he carried the burden of the family opprobrium. His painting style was that of a 4 or 5 year old.

This information is taken from conversations between Rita Simon and Wellcome staff between 1995 and 1997.

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