Works by Beegan, J. J.

Drawings created by J. J. Beegan while at Netherne Hospital in Surrey.

These were among the first works collected by Adamson from patients living at Netherne Hospital.. In 'Art as Healing', Adamson describes the man as unable to speak clearly, and states they were created inside the locked ward Beegan had lived in for many years prior.

Research conducted by Clair Wills into J.J. Beegan suggests it is unlikely to be the artists real name, instead refering to a memory or reference prior to their life at Netherne Hospital. Specific references to Beegan as a sculptor at Dunlop Hill in Ballinasloe, and the river Barrow and Aughrim inscribed on these artworks, suggest he may have previously lived in the County Galway area of Ireland. A work held by AVAM titled 'Writing in' has been identified as the same creator; on the reverse is inscribed 'Radcliffe 9/7/54', suggesting Radcliffe may be the creator's real surname.

The differences between the pencil and crayon drawings have also led to the suggestion that the artworks may have actually been created by two different men using the same pseudonym.

c.1946

9 drawings

The drawings were framed and stored in David O'Flynn's office, chair of the Adamson Collection Trust, at point of acquistion. They have since been deframed but remain in mounts for accessibility.