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In 1916 surgeons at Johnson Hospital in Spalding treated wounded soldiers with art therapy. They founded the Spalding Arts and Crafts Society to provide support and rehabilitation to those being cared for at the hospital.

Spalding Town Council sponsored their first exhibition. It was held in July 1918 at the town’s Corn Exchange.

Art therapy is still used today to support armed forces veterans with conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder, depression and anxiety. Art therapists are working for a number of organisations including the charity Combat Stress.

As for the Spalding Arts and Crafts Society – while its work with veterans is in their history – SAACS still exists today as one of the oldest established societies for visual arts and craftwork in the country.

Location: Spalding, Lincolnshire PE11 2GZ
Image: Postcard depicting Johnson’s Hospital and St Peter’s Church in Spalding.