The Horton Epsom awarded grant by The National Lottery Heritage Fund for major new project – The Music of Life: celebrating the 70th anniversary of pioneering music therapy 

Today, The Horton is announcing a £212,715 grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund to research, share and celebrate the history of pioneering music therapy that originated on the site that is now The Horton Arts Centre in Epsom; an unexplored history that is of national interest. 

In 1955, Horton Mental Hospital began a pioneering music therapy programme for patients who had never responded to any treatment and who would previously have been sedated and secluded. It was the first of its kind in Europe. This made national headlines at the time and the music therapy practice that developed because of this has had an enormous impact in mental health care. 

The new project, The Music of Life (TMOL), will celebrate 70 years since the launch of this programme, researching this largely untold story and hosting an exciting year-long programme of activities. 

Maria Reeves, Director, The Horton, said: “We are absolutely delighted that The National Lottery Heritage Fund are supporting us with this grant. The Horton’s journey from semi-derelict building to award-winning arts centre started with the Heritage Fund ten years ago. The Music of Life Project is the next step in the development of our venue as an important destination for heritage. This renewed support will enable us to explore in-depth the fascinating history that originates in our community – proof that local history can have a national impact. 

“From physical sculpture to multimedia, there will be so many innovative and accessible ways to experience this history over the next 14 months. We can’t wait to get started.” 

Leading historian, Professor Alana Harris, Professor of Gender and Modern Religious History at King’s College London, and trustee of The Horton, is the academic lead and historical consultant for The Music of Life. The project will also enable a King’s College London doctoral researcher to undertake detailed archival and oral history enquiries and support an undergraduate research internship. 

Alana Harris, Professor of Gender and Modern Religious History, Departmental Impact Lead, King’s College London, and trustee of The Horton said: “I am thrilled to support this exciting and timely project as its historical consultant. At a time when there is increasing attention to the well-established medical nexus between music and mental health, it will allow us to tell new stories about Epsom’s forgotten psychiatric history and the pioneering role of the Horton hospital in developing music therapy treatment in Britain.” 

Stuart McLeod, Director of England – London & South at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: “We’re proud to continue our support for The Horton in uncovering and sharing their remarkable heritage. The pioneering music therapy programme that began here 70 years ago not only transformed mental health care but also demonstrates the power the arts can have to change lives. Thanks to National Lottery players, this project will ensure that these stories are preserved and celebrated, helping to inspire generations to come.” 

The project will expand The Horton’s permanent heritage exhibition on the fascinating history of Epsom’s cluster of five psychiatric hospitals, and the people who lived and worked there – playing a vital role in saving this local history for current and future generations as well as its contribution to the history of British psychiatry. 

Other highlights of TMOL project will include: 

• A new commissioned artwork for The Horton Gardens created using mechanism parts from Horton Chapel’s original organ – which was vandalised beyond repair during its years of abandonment. This will be designed and constructed by artist Glynis Lamond, who was a prize-winner from The Horton Summer Exhibition 2025. 

• A community mosaic inspired by music – using original broken Victorian floor tiles recovered from the site. 

• Collaborative immersive events with students from University for the Creative Arts. 

• A touring exhibition to locations in Epsom, Ewell and wider Surrey. 

• Digital development and new permanent heritage interpretation points. 

• A Music & Memories reunion event for former hospital staff. 

• Additional staff roles to increase The Horton’s capacity to deliver the project. 

And many more public events, talks and activities. 

Further details about the project, along with the programme of events, can be found on The Horton’s website, newsletters and social media channels. Click Here