What an incredible few months it has been at The Horton.
Since sharing the news about a National Lottery Heritage Fund grant, our big project, The Music of Life, is officially well underway.
This year-long project celebrates 70 years since pioneering music therapy first began at The Horton. We’re excited to give you a peek behind the scenes at how this local history is coming to life through research, art, community, and storytelling.
Feeling Connected with Earthwave
In May, we kicked things off during Mental Health Awareness Week with Earthwave. Students from the University for the Creative Arts (UCA) in Epsom learned about The Horton’s musical heritage as part of Event Management and Music degrees.
The culmination was an evening of live music featuring emerging young artists in our Performance Space – the site of the original Music Therapy Centre – designed to bring people together and lift spirits. Inspired by how musical vibrations travel the world, the night celebrated different cultures and the healing power of sound.
The event was put together by talented Music Masters degree students who filled our space with beautiful live performances.
Community Mosaic
Our garden is getting a very special new addition. We’ve started a community art project, bringing local people together to create a permanent outdoor mosaic artwork. We’re especially happy to be welcoming individuals with lived experience of mental health challenges.
Led by artist Tina De Domingo, our groups are getting hands-on with history. The mosaic design is inspired by the historic organ pipes and wonderful patterned Victorian tiled floor. Sessions offer a calm, friendly space where everyone can relax, chat, and enjoy the wellbeing benefits of getting creative.
Giving New Life To The Chapel Organ
Art and history are coming together in our gardens too. Artist Glynis Lamond, who won our Summer Exhibition prize in 2025, is working on a unique sculpture, using original parts rescued from the old Horton Chapel organ mechanism. While stripping away varnish, she discovered handwritten notes scribbled onto the timber frames and has preserved them completely, weaving the idea of handwriting as a “dying skill” into her work.
When completed, the sculpture will be displayed in our Atrium as part of The Music of Life exhibition before becoming a permanent installation in our gardens.
Uncovering Forgotten Stories
At its heart, The Music of Life is about preserving the memories of Europe’s first psychiatric music therapy programme. The research team from King’s College London – along with volunteers, are digging into the archives and recording oral histories. The results will expand our permanent exhibition, celebrating the hospital community and the power of music to heal, connect, and inspire.
Come and Join In
We’re developing a public programme of activities that will run alongside the exhibition later on this year and would love to see you.
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