4,224 Comments for Northampton State Hospital

Kirkbride's proposal for psychiatric hospitals specified that corridors be 12 feet wide, and that ceilings be 12 or 13 feet high. In the center building the main corridors were to be 16 feet wide, with ceilings of 18 feet. In some places, the corridors were used as sitting rooms. The alcoves were also a feature of his plans, with the recommendation that they be on the sunnier side of the building (if only on one side) to get as much natural light as possible.

Kirkbride's original specification for psychiatric hospitals was gas lighting, because (at that time) it was the "safest, neatest, and most convenient."

These photos are so illustrative of depression--the being alone, face hidden, back turned on the world, the emptiness, loss of hope, wanting to get away from the pain...and yet, reaching, struggling to get out, with the wings symbolizing a purity of spirit and remnants of faith. When I imagine the pictures that represent my own battle with depression, this is what I see. I also see mental health from a social work perspective, and sense the attempts to connect with the patient, to restore some trust in life and people, to guide the person back to health.

wow. ive never seen a spiral staircase before!

its called art.

Black & White photo, means there is no color. No matter how sad the damn fire hydrant is...lol.

I am curious Judugua did you get into the hospital? I desperatly want to go in before its too late. Yet there are always either construction workers there, or security. When is a good time?

I think the blue wallpaper is beautiful, whether it looked nice or not when it was first applied I don't know, but the way it is now is gorgeous. I've been slowly making my way through all of the photos on this site in the last few days and this is the one I love the most. It still looks beautiful and happy after all these years in such a sad and forgotten place, and it shows that someone thought enough of the patients that they wanted them to have a little bit of colour and fun.

I actually just went there today and its in pretty rough condition but it's definately not torn down. Many of the smaller buildings across the street from the main one ahve been converted to apartments.

i like.

kool shhit!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

fucked up floors c-careful i put my foot threw one in old south.

2008/13/6/ there are 4 buildings left 4 those who been there lately. but 4 those w/ has'nt
old south still standing. the gym still standing
there theater or some wierd ass building w/ a stage curtin. u call it? and a building far off to the back across the street from old south and i cant get in 2 that one. so maybe someone will and post here.

hmmm well first i find all, the comments here about this poor door are very interesting, all have great opinions. As a care provider i agree with a few of the individuals here let the past rest in the past and try to help the future of places like these.
yes there have been and still are very horrible places where people who are mentally sick are mistreated. but most are well taken care of and cared about from good staff weather it be in a mental hospital, emergency room , care of elderly and children. so please do not dwell on the drama of what might have happened and just see the picture for it's simplicity, and find what intrigues you personally about it . its a wonderful shot of something very old so how can you not see the beauty in that???

here she looks like the glimpse of a lost spirit. wow what camera did you use for this shot.