Oxford GLAM's 'In the Frame' Brings Museum Objects into Prisons
Since 2022, the University of Oxford's Gardens, Libraries and Museums (GLAM) has run sessions in HMP Bullingdon, evolving into the 'In the Frame' programme after a mixed pilot with NHS England Health and Justice. The six-week course pairs handling objects with creative activities at HMP Bullingdon and HMP Grendon. Participants handle artefacts like a mammoth tooth or witch in a bottle, then engage in block printing, basket weaving, or charm making. Attendance is voluntary, with no sanctions for absence. Staff report benefits for wellbeing, especially for neurodiverse individuals. Feedback is collected via postcards and forms; the team seeks to improve evaluation. GLAM aims to connect with other criminal justice organisations.
Key facts
- Programme started as occasional sessions in 2022 at HMP Bullingdon.
- A social prescribing pilot with NHS England Health and Justice had mixed results.
- 'In the Frame' is a six-week course combining museum objects with hands-on creative activities.
- Runs at HMP Bullingdon and HMP Grendon.
- Sessions last about 90 minutes; attendance is voluntary.
- Activities include block printing, basket weaving, and charm making.
- Objects used include a mammoth tooth and a witch in a bottle.
- Staff note benefits for participants with ADHD and other neurodiverse profiles.
Entities
Institutions
- University of Oxford Gardens, Libraries and Museums (GLAM)
- NHS England Health and Justice
- HMP Bullingdon
- HMP Grendon
- HMP Springhill
- MuseumNext
- Museum & Wellbeing Summit 2026
Locations
- Oxford
- United Kingdom
- HMP Bullingdon
- HMP Grendon
- HMP Springhill