Cheating Death and Time

An exhibition of artworks by Stanley Lench from Bethlem Museum of the Mind’s Reserve Collection. Lench’s bold and colourful work often depicts his childhood fascination with popular icons and stars of the silver screen. He experienced prolonged bouts of mental illness throughout his life, which, on occasion forced him into a reclusive existence. Lench explained that he became an artist to ‘cheat death and time’. This statement reflects the themes of Lench’s work, but also highlights his ultimate goal: to be recognised and remembered for his art.