In the summer of 1968, aged 18, he had a nervous breakdown but was able to study at Leicester School of Art later that year. In 1969, Charnley gained a place at the Central School of Art and Design in Holborn, London, but was unable to complete the course due to another breakdown that was later diagnosed as acute schizophrenia.
In the summer of 1968, at age 18, he had a nervous breakdown but managed to continue his art studies at Leicester School of Art that same year. In 1969, Charnley was accepted into the Central School of Art and Design in London, but was unable to finish his course due to another breakdown later diagnosed as acute schizophrenia.