3,698 Comments Posted by Motts

The padded cell was probably used more often before the popularity of drug therapy in the 1950s, afterwards they could have been disassembled depending on the construction. I've seen removed panels in former state hospital storage areas. This room had a rather robust and permanent installation, which may be the reason it was left behind: http://opacity.us/image7255_rubber_room.htm

Here's a short history regarding the padded room in the UK hospitals, with details of their use and removal: http://thetimechamber....tory/the-padded-cell

In regards to pop-culture, it's a pretty well-known and visceral visual, going hand-in-hand with ECT, straitjackets, and lobotomies. Toss an evil German doctor into the mix and you've got yourself a cliché mental hospital flick that sells.

Yes I remember the chapel, it was in very good shape and it even looked like it was being used at the time. For some reason I didn't snap a pic. Thanks for the heads-up!

Actually, there was a small square hole in the center of the clock face, just above where the hands pivoted; perhaps it was used to manually adjust the hands. That's where this photo was taken.

I suspect it's a step to help patients get in and out of the tub easily.

Yup it's a hydraulic door-closer. Looks very rusty and yes, oddly positioned.

Ah, I suspected this was a TB building but couldn't find any definitive proof. Makes sense, fresh air was an early treatment for the disease. Thanks!

The foundation looks to be concrete, painted a very bright blue.

I didn't get to see the entire building, but no, didn't see any padded rooms. They've been a pretty rare find in all the hospitals I've gotten to explore.

Thanks Carolyn, yes I try to find a decent vantage point but it's often a very quick process. The security dogs at the site definitely made this trip a fast one.

It's in Leuven, Belgium, and currently being renovated into a pop-up restaurant and bar. http://www.dehoorn.eu

It was pretty rough back then, you can see holes in the roofing that only get worse with time. This will also rot the floors underneath pretty fast.

Probably because people exploring the place wouldn't bother closing hundreds of doors on their way out. It also lets the only source of light into the hallways, so they'd be pretty dark otherwise.

OK wallpaper added, thanks!!