Albert’s Hats

by Albert Nicolson

Albert’s Hats came to our attention when exploring the astonishing archive of Royal Edinburgh Hospital patient’s artworks held by Artlink. Works dating back over 15 years are testament to the creative flare and talent of patients, the quality of work delivered through the Artlink programme, and the therapeutic and uplifting power of art. Among the striking and diverse artworks one of many that jumped out was the series of charcoal hat drawings by Albert Nicolson.

These drawings have a personality all of their own. They are quick line drawings of hats, drawn in charcoal from memory and produced over a couple of days. Albert’s recollection of making them was that there was little planning or forethought; “it was just something to do and having drawn one I just kept going”. They are vibrant, poetic and sculptural. They make a series which is greater than the sum of its parts. You can find in these drawings themes of; culture, politics, religion, nationality, class, authority, identity and humanity. We hope they will spark personal associations or memories for you…and perhaps inspire you to draw a hat or two of your own.

Original artworks and reproduced images are displayed with the kind permission of the artist, Albert Nicolson

Thank you Albert, we tip our hats to you!

Albert and Artlink

Back in 2003, Artlink Hospital Arts was exploring a series of contemporary art collaborations and the project was known as Functionsuite. Albert, a member of the Patients Council, attended the Artlink sessions as early as 2002 initially to support a patient who participated in the art group. Later he would go on to explore his own creative ideas. During these visits in conversation with artist Kate Gray, Albert discovered they shared a common interest in architecture. Albert in collaboration with Kate designed and made an ambitious construction called the Mayday Pavilion, a temporary event space in the form of a large geodesic dome.

Located in the garden of ward 14, it was built from recycled wood and sheets and was big enough to host activities for staff and patients such as yoga and tai chi. Albert continued to attend the group and made several individual pieces of art including the charcoal drawings – hats!

Albert and the REH Patients’ Council

Albert’s involvement with this hospital goes back to 1960, and he brings a treasure trove of ‘institutional memories’ to the Patients Council – seven decades’ worth of collective lived experience! We’re lucky to have this wellspring of patients’ lives to keep tapping into.

I recently asked Albert what motivates him to keep returning to the hospital and he said one reason was to make sure that we’re doing the job of reflecting and representing the patient voice properly: it’s great for us to be held to account like this by someone who has such a deep and wide perspective.

Over the years of his involvement with the Patients Council, Albert has developed and shared key themes which he’s fed into the collective patient voice:

The possibility of people gaining enlightenment and recovering from mental health issues;
Criticisms of psychiatry and overly-professional viewpoints that don’t give sufficient weight or respect to lessons learned from lived experience;
The corrosive effects of bullying in society – in both childhood and adulthood;
The importance of employment and having a purpose/meaning in life;
The benefits of yoga, art and creativity;
Understanding that “nature is in charge” and appreciating what “true sanity” is!

For further information or enquiries please contact; [email protected]