maudsleyA unique facility providing an inclusive physical environment for mental health education and training for the whole community has been opened by Maudsley Charity in South London.

The ORTUS also offers space for events and conferences as well as showcasing the mental health charity's past, present and future projects including Bethlem Gallery, Bethlem Museum and Maudsley International.

The centre was officially opened last week [18 September] by Turner Prize nominee Mark Titchner, Stuart Bell CBE, and chair of SLaM, Madeliene Long in a ceremony which also saw the unveiling of a specially commissioned art installation by Titchner, called ‘Our Knot’.

Encourage contemplation & interpretation
Speaking at the launch, Titchner, said: "My aim with developing "Our Knot" for the ORTUS learning and event centre was to create a work that encouraged individual contemplation and interpretation. A work in union with its surroundings, it's form shifting as one navigates the building and as light conditions change. Mirrored surfaces reflecting both the daily activities of the centre and its immediate surroundings, revealing itself slowly over time.”

The high technology ORTUS building is operated by community interest company, Maudsley Learning as part of their vision to raise knowledge and awareness of mental health and wellbeing and for this learning to be accessible to 'anyone, anywhere, at anytime'. 

Managing Director of Maudsley Learning, Genevieve Glover, added: “We were very excited to be able to host the Maudsley Charity showcase event at the ORTUS and of course, recognise the formal launch of Maudsley Learning. We are delighted with ‘The Knot’ and thank Mark Titchner for his amazing work. Our strategic vision is to raise knowledge and awareness of mental and wellbeing and the fantastic ORTUS learning and event centre is one way in which we will achieve this.”
For more information please visit www.maudsleylearning.com