Improvised knife made by a patient, Suffolk, England, 1829-1948
This improvised knife was made by a psychiatric patient at St Audry’s Hospital in Suffolk. Details of the patient are unknown. He or she clearly took considerable time creating this makeshift artefact. It is also unknown whether the knife was for an escape attempt or something more sinister.
Object number:
1990-183/34
Related Themes and Topics
Glossary:
Glossary: knife
A (usually) metal blade used as a cutting tool with usually one long sharp edge fixed rigidly in a handle or a hinged case.
Glossary: psychiatric hospital
Psychiatric hospital specialising in the treatment of serious mental illness, usually for relatively long-term patients.
Glossary: copy - derivative object
Refers to objects derived from or made to resemble original existing objects. Implies less precise and faithful imitation than does the term "reproductions." When copies are presented with intent to deceive, use "forgeries" or "counterfeits." When more than one similar work is produced by the same maker, use "replicas" or "versions."