A ground-breaking exhibition exploring the "hidden" history of Shenley Hospital is touring north London.

Hidden Minds is a project run by mental health charity Mind in Harrow, which provides an insight into the experiences of former patients, carers and staff at the hospital in Black Lion Hill.

Shenley Hospital opened in 1934 as a mental asylum, providing treatment for people with psychiatric problems from Harrow, Brent and parts of Ealing until its closure in 1998.

With support from the Heritage Lottery Fund, 25 volunteers have collated information from archives, photos and first-hand accounts of life at the hospital.

The exhibition displays a range of material ranging from audio clips, images, and official documents.

Visitors can learn about the pioneering therapy and treatments provided, what life was really like in the hospital, and its heritage in Harrow today.

Chief executive of Mind in Harrow Mark Gillham, said: “Shenley Hospital was built at a time of fundamental change in attitude to the treatment of people with mental health problems.

“With the knowledge that Shenley is a powerful image in the consciousness of many people in North West London, and that the last generation of Shenley’s patients are now elderly, Hidden Minds aims to collect the memories of those connected to the institution.”

The exhibition will open at Harrow Arts Centre in Hatch End from Wednesday, July 25, until Sunday, July 29, before moving onto the Harrow Heritage Museum and the Shenley Park Trust later in the year.

For more information, visit www.mindinharrow.org.uk.