Inside Europe’s Only Wholly Therapeutic Prison (2026)

HMP Grendon is the UK’s only therapeutic prison, established in the 1960s to pioneer a psychologically focused approach to rehabilitation. Here, group therapy and personal responsibility take precedence over traditional punitive methods.

This short documentary, created in collaboration with Ikon Gallery, delves into one of Europe’s most innovative prison arts programmes. Contemporary artists work closely with inmates, supporting rehabilitation through sustained creative practice.

Told through the perspective of Dr Simon J. Harris, the film captures the emotional and psychological power of art-making inside HMP Grendon. It offers a rare glimpse into how creativity can challenge perceptions of justice and transform lives.

1x 5 min documentary, 1x 100 sec social edit 

Credit

Featuring - Dr Simon J. Harris

Producer - James Latunji-Cockbill

Director - Dan Watts

Director of Photography - Ian Snape

Photography - Tom Bird

Commissioner: Ikon Gallery

Artist Artwork Featured

Artist - Edmund Clark

Artist - Dean Kelland

Artist - James Lomax

Artist - Nick London

Prison-made art - Anonymous