Season 6

Jan. 29, 2026

Ep.7 - Air Loom

This week, we’re talking about the Air Loom. This fascinating image is the first example of asylum patient art ever reproduced in print and we uncover the story of its creator - James Tilly Matthews.
Jan. 15, 2026

Ep.6 - Thistle

This week, we’re talking about the thistle. From a medical marvel to a symbol of Scotland, we explore the rich history of this spiky plant.
Jan. 1, 2026

Ep.5- Artificial Wine

This week, we’re talking about an object from our temporary exhibition ‘Hooked’ – ‘A treatise of new artificial wines’. The author of this book was a distiller, alchemist and chemist.
Dec. 18, 2025

Ep.4 - Jamaica Ginger

This week, we’re talking about an object from our temporary exhibition ‘Hooked’ – Jamaica Ginger, a Prohibition-era American medicine which was highly alcoholic and contained a range of noxious ingredients.
Dec. 4, 2025

Ep.3 - Tree of Intemperance

This week, we’re talking about an object from our temporary exhibition ‘Hooked’ – The Tree of Intemperance, an 1800s American illustration with an admonishing moral message.
Nov. 20, 2025

Ep.2 - Electro Machine

We’re exploring different objects on display in our Physicians’ Gallery.
Nov. 6, 2025

Ep.1 - Erotomania

In this episode, we’re talking about an object from our temporary exhibition ‘Hooked’ – a 1600s book called Erotomania, which explores the addictive nature of unrequited love. The Team: Dr Charlotte Holmes (@_CCHolmes_) - Edi...