Exhibition showcasing service user artwork gets shortlisted in Museums + Heritage Awards

11 Apr 25

An exhibition involving HPFT staff and service users has been shortlisted in the 2025 Museums + Heritage Awards.

A table displaying two large paper mache spheres with intricate designs, clay figures and egg boxes with artwork on them. Behind the table, a red canvas with multiple egg boxes attached forms a collage. The word 'strength' is displayed in the centre of the canvas.

The exhibition, called ‘Catching the Chain’, is currently running at St Albans Museum + Gallery and is shortlisted for ‘Temporary or Touring Exhibition of the Year – Budget less than £80k’.

About the exhibition

“Catching the Chain” is a phrase used in prison communities to refer to leaving prison and re-entering society. The exhibition explores the history of criminal justice and the different ways in which local communities have dealt with crime, dating from the Iron Age to the present day.

Service users supported by HPFT’s Offender Personality Disorder (OPD) Pathway have been involved in the exhibition. This pathway is offered across criminal justice and health, supporting people with their mental health and wellbeing and encouraging pro-social behaviour.

A table displaying two large, hollow paper mache spheres with intricate designs. The sphere on the left is white and partially collapsed, with small figurines inside and around it. The sphere on the right is decorated with colourful drawings and text, including a blue bird.

They attended a series of wellbeing workshops, which were led by an arts therapist, and produced models made from paper mâché which are now being proudly exhibited. The wellbeing sessions also supported them with their social skills and confidence.

A red canvas with the word "strength" written in large, bold letters in the centre. Surrounding the word are multiple egg cartons with artwork and patterns on them. There are illustrations of birds on either edge of the canvas. A table with several decorated egg cartons and small figurines. One egg carton is painted blue inside with the word "freedom" and a smiley face written on it. Another carton has "play on!' written on it. There are other decorations visible on the table, including a bird drawing and various colours on the cartons.

Our probation practitioners were also involved in creating artwork for the egg boxes, as part of their role within the OPD Pathway to support service users’ wellbeing.

Jayne Henry, Clinical Lead for the OPD Pathway, shared:

“We are extremely proud of the artwork in the gallery and the commitment and hard work shown by service users to achieve their final pieces. It can be really tough integrating back into society and we hope that this project has helped to provide a focus and make that transition a little easier.”

Exhibition partners include the University of Hertfordshire, Hertfordshire Constabulary, the Hertfordshire Association for the Care and Rehabilitation of Offenders (HACRO) and more.

The exhibition runs until 21 April 2025.

If you would like to learn more about the exhibition, please visit here.

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Exhibition showcasing service user artwork gets shortlisted in Museums + Heritage Awards