We are delighted to have been awarded a grant of £212,715 from The National Lottery Heritage Fund for our major new project, The Music of Life, celebrating the 70th anniversary of the pioneering music therapy which began in Horton Hospital, part of Epsom’s historic Hospital Cluster.
In 1955, Horton introduced music therapy for patients who had never responded to any treatment and who would previously have been sedated and secluded. It was the first of its kind in Europe. This made national headlines at the time and the music therapy practice that developed because of this has had an enormous impact in mental health care.
The Music of Life project will research, share, and celebrate this largely unexplored history and host an exciting year-long programme of activities.
“We are absolutely delighted that The National Lottery Heritage Fund are supporting us with this grant,” said Maria Reeves, Director of The Horton.
“The Horton’s journey from semi-derelict building to award-winning arts centre started with the Heritage Fund ten years ago. The Music of Life project is the next step in the development of our venue as an important destination for heritage. This renewed support will enable us to explore in-depth the fascinating history that originates in our community – proof that local history can have a national impact.
“From physical sculpture to multimedia, there will be so many innovative and accessible ways to experience this history over the next 14 months. We can’t wait to get started.”
In collaboration with King’s College London’s Department of History, the project will expand The Horton’s permanent heritage exhibition on the fascinating history of Epsom’s cluster of five psychiatric hospitals, and the people who lived and worked there – playing a vital role in saving this local history for current and future generations as well as its contribution to the history of British psychiatry.
Professor Alana Harris, of King’s College London, also a trustee of The Horton, will be supporting the project as historical consultant.
She said: “At a time when there is increasing attention to the well-established medical nexus between music and mental health, it will allow us to tell new stories about Epsom’s forgotten psychiatric history and the pioneering role of the Horton hospital in developing music therapy treatment in Britain.”
Stuart McLeod, Director of England – London & South at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said:
“We’re proud to continue our support for The Horton in uncovering and sharing their remarkable heritage. The pioneering music therapy programme that began here 70 years ago not only transformed mental health care but also demonstrates the power the arts can have to change lives. Thanks to National Lottery players, this project will ensure that these stories are preserved and celebrated, helping to inspire generations to come.”
The first event in The Music of Life programme will be the Music & Memories Hospitals Staff Reunion, on Saturday, 14th February. Former staff from Horton, West Park, St Ebba’s, Manor and Long Grove Hospitals are invited to reunite to share their recollections and photographs.
Music for dancing will be played by DJ Jimmy Moule, the original Epsom Hospital Cluster DJ and Long Grove Hospital staff member from 1963-1991. People who worked as nurses, doctors and porters as well as in music therapy, will be travelling from the local area and abroad to this special event. Anyone interested in attending should complete the survey on the website.
Other highlights of The Music of Life include:
- Digital development and new permanent heritage interpretation points.
- A new commissioned artwork for The Horton Gardens created using mechanism parts. from Horton Chapel’s original organ – which was vandalised beyond repair during its years of abandonment. This will be designed and constructed by artist Glynis Lamond, who was a prize-winner at The Horton Summer Exhibition 2025.
- A touring exhibition to locations in Epsom, Ewell and wider Surrey.
- Collaborative immersive events with students from University for the Creative Arts.
- A community mosaic inspired by music – using original broken Victorian floor tiles recovered from the site.
- Additional staff roles to increase The Horton’s capacity to deliver the project.
And many more public events, talks and activities.
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