A visit to Earlswood, (the Asylum for Idiots), May 19, 1859 / by the Rev. Edwin Sidney, A.M.

  • Sidney, Edwin, -1872.
Date:
1865
Catalogue details

Licence: Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0)

Credit: A visit to Earlswood, (the Asylum for Idiots), May 19, 1859 / by the Rev. Edwin Sidney, A.M. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    inspection of the building, there is found nothing to indi cate elaborate or expensive work in the details. The foundation stone was laid, and the Asylum itself opened, by his Eoyal Highness the Prince Consort. A short and pretty drive from the Red Hill Station brings the visitor to* the entrance ; and the grounds and the farm lie on his right hand, laid out with excellent taste, hut with real simplicity of style. An air of great cheerfulness characterizes the aspect of this home of the poor imbecile, and is of more importance to the amelioration of his condition, than may be conceived by those who have had no experience in this jvork of true benevolence. In Pennsylvania, where much has been done for feeble-minded children, great stress was laid on the pleasant situation of the building, and the proper ornamenting of its graceful slopes by judicious planting; and a kindred feeling exists amongst those who have been the chief promoters of this Model English Asylum. The proximity to the railroad, and the constant passing of the trains, give a life to the place which is not without its effects on the inmates. On a sort of terrace raised above the grounds stands the structure itself. The principal entrance is handsome, and on one side is the wing for the males, and on the other that for the females. The entrance leads into a hall, which is lofty and well ventilated, and kept with an admirable neatness. On the left hand is the Reception Room, the view from which is exceedingly pretty; and on looking at it, I saw some of the pupils on the lawn, and amongst the flower beds, working in their blue aprons as steadily as professional gardeners. The chief ornaments of this room are die drawings and work of the pupils ; and it almost requires to see them in actual progress, to believe that they were the produce of the labour of the imbecile. A few years ago, the experiment so successfully carried on here would have been regarded as hopeless. The contents of this unique apartment show, at a glance, the marvels that perseverance has achieved. The repositories of the work of the blind and the idiot manifest a greater advance of our age, than galleries of the highest art and most gifted ingenuity. In this room the arrangements are in the best taste, and are exhibited with