Bethlem Gallery
Sophie Leighton is an experienced arts professional currently serving as the Director of Bethlem Gallery since September 2020. Simultaneously, Sophie is pursuing an ESRC PhD at the University of Leicester starting in October 2019. Prior to these roles, Sophie held the position of Curator at the Freud Museum London from October 2010 to September 2020. Additional experience includes positions as Curator and AHRC Research Fellow at Clore Leadership (September 2018 - March 2019) and as Curator and Clore Fellow (2017/18) at Clore Leadership (September 2017 - July 2018). Early career roles involved curatorial work at the Victoria and Albert Museum (2005 - 2010) and as an Assistant guidebook editor for the National Trust (2004 - 2005).
This person is not in any teams
This person is not in any offices
Bethlem Gallery
The Bethlem Gallery, established 1997, is situated on the grounds of The Bethlem Royal Hospital. Managed by a small, artist-led team, the gallery provides a professional space for high-quality artwork and fosters a supportive artist-focused environment. Exhibitions and events are programmed throughout the year presenting a wide range of mediums and contemporary practice. The gallery is an ideal platform for experimentation, collaboration and skills exchange. Collectively we strive to develop the careers, experience and expertise of the gallery artists by creating opportunities for professional development. Our successful artist-in-residence projects also work with patients and staff on site to improve people’s experience of the hospital environment. The Bethlem Gallery programme includes collaborations with Bethlem Museum of the Mind, artists-in-residence, interdisciplinary research and partnerships with arts organisations across the UK and beyond. We campaign for access to the arts in healthcare environments and engage audiences in learning and debate on the subject of mental health and artistic practice. The gallery is free and open to all. Donations are welcomed. “Pills are ok, counselling is ok and it will get you back on the streets, but what keeps your mind alive is what you learn here. That’s what it’s about – keeping your spirit alive.” – Lee, Bethlem artist.