The Foundling Museum is a unique institution, intertwining the history of London’s most dispossessed children with an art collection donated by the city’s elite. It was both the UK’s first children’s charity and its first public art gallery, and today it stands both as a testament to the vision of the philanthropist Thomas Coram and as a place to enjoy the artworks.
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What Is The Foundling Museum?
The Foundling Museum tells the story of the abandoned children cared for by the Foundling Hospital, established by Thomas Coram in 1739. The hospital was remarkable for the way it transformed the lives of children who would otherwise have been likely to die. It was equally remarkable for the way it was funded, attracting the attention of many wealthy and influential patrons.
One of those patrons was the artist William Hogarth, who donated some of his own works of art and who also persuaded contemporaries such as Joshua Reynolds and Thomas Gainsborough to contribute. At a time when there was no other art gallery in London this encouraged many fashionable people to visit and to patronise the hospital.
Another trustee was the composer George Frideric Handel, who played the organ in the hospital’s chapel and held annual benefit concerts of his “Messiah” to raise funds.
Visitors to the museum can explore the history of the Foundling Hospital, and see some of the art that was donated to the museum. The museum also serves as a venue for fundraising events, including corporate gatherings and weddings.
Giving Hope To Abandoned Children
The ground floor has permanent displays about the lives of the children who lived at the hospital. Sometimes harrowing, it explains the social conditions that led mothers to abandon their children, and the dangers they were exposed to before the hospital was established. It tells of the “ballot system” by which vulnerable children were admitted to the hospital, and of their daily routines once they were there.
The museum showcases everyday objects and artefacts from the children’s lives. A particular feature is the “tokens” left by mothers – scraps of fabric, coins, or jewellery – intended to allow the child to be identified and reclaimed if the mother’s circumstances changed in the future.
Exploring The Art
The Foundling Museum is more than a repository of history; it is also a celebration of art and its role in the life of the hospital. As you move around the building you will see paintings by Hogarth and other artists on display, as well as antique furniture and a remarkable collection of clocks. The Picture Gallery is a replica of the gallery that existed in the 18th century.
The building is interesting in itself. It is not the original hospital (which has unfortunately been demolished) but was built as an administration block in the 1930s. It incorporates significant architectural features from the old building. These include an old oak staircase and the magnificent Court Room, where the hospital’s governors once held their meetings. The latter is considered to be one of the finest Rococo interiors in London.
Handel Collection
The top floor of the museum is home to the Gerald Coke Handel Collection. Based on a private collection, this is a selection of manuscripts and artefacts relating to the composer, including his will (in which he left a significant sum to the hospital).
The room also has two “musical chairs,” where you can sit and listen to Handel’s compositions.
How To Visit The Foundling Museum
- The Foundling Museum is located at 40 Brunswick Square. It is within easy reach of Russell Square station.
- The museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday
- Tickets allow unlimited entry for one year
- Admission is free to Historic Houses members
- There is a small discount for English Heritage members
- The museum offers a programme of temporary exhibitions, talks, and other activities.
- If you would like to combine your visit with one of London’s other excellent small museums, the Postal Museum is just a ten minute walk away.
