GLENSIDE Hospital Museum in Fishponds is hosting a unique auction this month.
The lots include some fascinating medical curiosities, including the artificial eyes pictured here.
The museum, which is dedicated to housing, documenting and preserving the area’s connection with the development and provision of mental healthcare over more than a century and a half, has a large collection of objects to help tell its story.
Now facing the prospect of having to relocate if and when its home on UWE’s Glenside campus is redeveloped, after the university leaves in 2026, the museum’s volunteers have been looking through its stores to see what duplicates there are, and have offered them to other museums.
Consultant director Stella Man said: “Having successfully re-housed some pieces, we are now left with an intriguing collection of items that we’d like to use to raise funds for the future care of our remarkable collection. We also have items that people have generously donated to help us raise funds.
“So we invite you to join us this month, for a truly unique auction experience at Glenside Hospital Museum!
“This is not just any auction—it’s a rare chance to own fascinating pieces of local history, while supporting a great cause.
“All money raised will go to the museum.
“The popular People’s University of Fishponds is collaborating with us to make this happen, so whether you’re a history enthusiast or simply looking for an unusual and enjoyable afternoon out, this event promises a delightful blend of excitement and discovery.
“We’ve got buttons, badges, bottles and bowls. We’ve got spectacles, a school desk, an antique watering spray and an anatomical torso (below) – an incomplete duplicate of another in our collection.
“We also have a number of resin artificial eyes, made by a lady during her lifelong career with the NHS.
“Her wishes were that her collection would help support the museum in some way, and part of it was not needed by us.”
The auction and table top sale will be held on Sunday September 29 at 3pm at the museum, which is in the former hospital chapel next to the ‘white entrance’ to UWE’s Glenside campus, off Blackberry Hill.
Entry to the sale is free and there is parking, full disabled access and a toilet on site.
For more information on the museum visit its website.
Pictures by Mark Neath