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Brandon Williams – I Built This Prison Myself

Written by Station Gallery on .

September 5 – November 1, 2026 
The Jill Dyall Community Gallery

“In November 1976, a 16 year old boy lit fire to a barn on the property of the ‘Whitby Psychiatric Hospital’. The incident produced the most intense photo of Whitby I have ever seen. This photo was taken by Dave Mitchell, a resident who still lives in Whitby today.”

Brandon Williams is a Whitby based musician and the founder of the band Chastity. In an exclusive engagement with Station Gallery, Chastity is launching the new album titled “I Built This Prison Myself”. The album was inspired by Brandon’s response to encountering the image of the burning barn and understanding the story behind the fire. Gallery visitors will be able to view the site of the original barn through the gallery windows and see the incredible photograph taken by Dave Mitchell that fateful day 50 years ago. Audio of the new album will be available in the same space. 

“I Built This Prison Myself” is a visual and musical event that is contemporary, but deeply rooted in the experiences of people during a major and tragic incident in the history of Whitby.

Image Credit: Dave Mitchell