IMRY launches Borthwick Research Group

News

Posted on Wednesday 20 May 2026

The Institute of Mental Health Research at York (IMRY) has launched a new interdisciplinary research group exploring the mental health collections held by the Borthwick Institute for Archives.

Attendees of the first Borthwick Research Group event engaging with the collection.

The Borthwick Research Group began with a visit to the archives hosted by Gary Brannan, Keeper of Archives and Special Collections; Laura Yeoman, Access and Digital Engagement Archivist; and Dr Ailbhe O’Loughlin, IMRY Associate Director.

Gary and Laura introduced the group to the Borthwick’s extensive mental health collections and explained their importance for understanding changing experiences and approaches to mental health and care. Participants then viewed a specially curated selection of materials, including admission records, patient case books, correspondence, personal papers and artwork created by patients.

These collections provide rich opportunities for researchers from different disciplines to examine the histories of mental health, illness and institutional care from a range of perspectives. Some of the material has already been digitised and is available through Discover York’s Mental Health Collections.

The group is now planning an interdisciplinary reading group. Members will engage with primary sources from the Borthwick’s collections and discuss how they can be understood through different academic perspectives and research methods.

The initiative will bring together researchers from across the University, creating new opportunities for collaboration and helping to develop innovative research grounded in York’s unique archival resources.

Anyone interested in joining the Borthwick Research Group or learning more can contact Dr Ailbhe O’Loughlin at ailbhe.oloughlin@york.ac.uk.