top of page

Mary Barnes

Mary Barnes played an important role in Dr Joseph Berke's life. It was the 1960's and with R. D. Laing at Kingsley Hall, where he helped Mary Barnes, a nurse who had been diagnosed with schizophrenia, to emerge from madness and become a famous artist, writer and mystic.  

Joe Berke & Mary Barnes

At the 2013 exhibition; Art & the Asylum, at the University of Nottingham, there was a collection of works by Mary Barnes. Mary had started to produce her art while she was in therapy with Dr Joe Berke. This film documents Dr Berke's visit to the exhibition, and includes a particular focus on Mary Barnes painting 'Untitled', with a reading of the painting by some current students of the University studying for an MA in counselling.

A celebration of the life and work of Mary Barnes

Going Down and Coming Up, a celebration of the life and work of Mary Barnes (a series of three videos - playing back to back - running time approx 30 minutes)

Mary Barnes (1975-1989)

Interview with Mary Barnes - running time approx 8 minutes 24 seconds

bottom of page