The life of Cefn Coed told in a collection of objects

A rocking chair made of pegs, an oversized pair of tailors shears, a darning mushroom, a Harry Secombe LP and a delicate china tea service including egg cups, tureens and pitchers, were all displayed in the exhibition; an eclectic gathering of items all playing their part in the patients’ daily life at Cefn Coed. 

Around 2016, the closure of Cefn Coed, through the mental health strategy, became reality and therefore there was an urgency to source, gather, and protect all those items which were part of the Cefn Coed story. These items spanned from major clinical equipment, to the smallest domestic items and architectural features such as door knobs and keys.

The amount of items we collected could not all be in the exhibition. There was a great amount of judgement and decision making on what would best highlight the history of Cefn Coed, and what would be of particular interest to the public.

Swansea Museum were kind enough to provide an example of one of the earliest folding wheelchairs which had been gifted to them from Cefn Coed many years ago.

One display case focused on activities, patients would have done in occupational health; a clay head, the peg chair, patchwork quilt for example. Also, some personal items found in patient bed areas; LP’s, 78’s, books, and a guitar. A Cefn Coed shaving mug was discovered online in Leeds and the museum provide a vintage shaving brush to complete the set.Another case displayed more medical artefacts including a ceramic phrenology head, medical books, small surgical items and equipment required for ECT treatment encased in a wooden box. Original architect’s plans, illuminating the accommodation layout and proving that secure padded cells were installed initially only to be removed by the forward thinking Dr. Skottowe, were lent by The West Glamorgan Archive service.

A thick heavy felted dress worn by female patients working in the kitchen garden or on the farm was a revelatory find, giving an insight into hospital clothing regulations of the very early years.

Once the exhibition was taking shape and word was spread, retired staff added personal items such as a scarf embroidered with the Cefn Coed emblem, medals and badges. 

One artefact the team were very keen to source, was the mirror ball, which hung in the William Owen Hall, adding a glamorous atmosphere to the frequent dances and theatrical performances. Rumour was that it had been in an Ibizan night club, but despite the best endeavours by Dr Mary Gagen, the mirror ball has not been found.

Artifacts

Mosaics