Displays and events

The launch of Queen Square: A History of the National Hospital and its Institute of Neurology on 20th November 2018

a definitive history of both The National Hospital and the Institute from 1860 to 1997, authored by Simon Shorvon, Alastair Compston, Andrew Lees, Michael Clark, and Martin Rossor. Available to purchase online with all proceeds of sales going to the National Brain Appeal.

Photos from the launch

New exhibition

Our current display is based on the book, including original source materials, such as photographs, objects and documents from Queen Square Archives. It will run in Queen Square Library, 23 Queen Square until March 2019. Please see exhibition handout and selected compilation for further information.

WWI’s Secret Shame: Shell Shocked : 12th November, 9-10pm, BBC2

In this programme, which features footage and materials from Queen Square Archives, Dan Snow discovers how the shell shock of WW1 has evolved into the cases of PTSD that modern soldiers suffer with today. Delving into previously unseen archives he reveals the difficult history of how Britain has reacted to the psychological consequences of warfare. Dan interviewed Stefanie Linden, author of They Called it Shell Shock which draws heavily on our Archives, as part of the programme. Box of Broadcasts (from 7mins) (UCL (or other institutional) password required for access)

Opening Hours

You can visit to see our displays in person : usually Monday - Friday 9am-7pm (last entry 6pm). Please see our opening hours page for changes to our opening over the coming weeks. Please bring some provide proof of identity (e.g. driving licence or bank card) with you, and sign in at the Library desk on the 1st floor.

Previous exhibitions:

Please see our compilations page to view some of the earlier displays, selected handouts from which are linked below:

• NHS at 70: Celebrating the achievements of Queen Square

• WAVECRAFT: Two pioneers of EEG and their world. Please see the curator Ken Barrett’s website for further information.

• Women in Queen Square: Celebrating the centenary of Votes for Women in the UK

• Letter in Mind - National Brain Appeal: full gallery of works for 2016 and 2015 works – please contact the National Brain Appeal for the 2014 gallery of works.

• James Parkinson: Celebrating the bi-centennial of the “Essay on shaking palsy"

• The beautiful brain: visualising the mind from the 19th century to the present day

• Victor Horsley: a continuing legacy: commemorating the centenary of Horsley’s death

• Manhandling the brain: Psychiatric neurosurgery in the mid-20th century

• Embroidered Minds: William Gowers & the Morris Family

• Teaching in Queen Square: from Brown-Sequard’s outpatient lectures to distance learning

• Queen Square: a journey through its buildings & institutions

• First World War at the National

• The Beginning of the End of the Falling Sickness: Epilepsy and its treatment in London 1860-1910

• The founding and early years of the National Hospital, Queen Square

• Gowers, the artist. Sir William Richard Gowers FRS, 1845-1915

• Ladies’ Samaritan Society 1860-2014

• The National Hospital, Queen Square: From Research to Patient

• Queen Square: at Work and Play

Other Queen Square related exhibitions

Silvering the Cerebrum

Library, museum and archive refurbishment generously supported by the Brain Research UK and the National Brain Appeal.