|
The Foundling Museum
|
|
|
40 Brunswick Square
London
WC1N 1AZ
England
|
|
The Foundling Museum, 40 Brunswick Square, London, WC1N 1AZ
| |
|
|
Collection details
Archives, Decorative and Applied Art, Fine Art, Music, Personalities, Social History
|
|
|
|
|
Contact details
General information (Tel)
:
020 7841 3600
General information (Fax)
:
020 7841 3601
E-mail
:
enquiries@foundlingmuseum.org.uk
Website
:
www.foundlingmuseum.org.uk
|
|
Open
Tues to Sat, 10.00 - 17.00
Sun 11.00 - 17.00
|
|
Closed
Mon, 23 December, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year's Day, Good Friday
|
|
Admission charges
Adults: £5
Adult groups of 10+: £4
Concessions: £4
Children under 16: FREE
Art Fund FREE
|
|
Discounts
Museums Association
International Council of Museums
| |
|
|
|
Description
Captain Thomas Coram lived in an age that cared little for the plight of unwanted children, who were often left to die on the streets of London. When Coram retired after a life spent as a successful ship-builder and sailor, primarily based in the New World of America, he was horrified by the spectacle of poverty on London's streets. He spent the remainder of his life striving to fulfil his grand design, which was to establish a refuge for abandoned children. In this endeavour he was assisted by his friend, the artist William Hogarth, who like Coram himself was childless. Their efforts were rewarded in 1739, when George II granted a Royal Charter for the establishment of a Foundling Hospital.
Hogarth personally contributed paintings to decorate the walls of the new building. His example inspired many other contemporary British artists to donate works to this pioneering and philanthropic institution, creating the first British art gallery, The Foundling Hospital, which is now seen as the catalyst for the Royal Academy. At that time there was little exhibition space available for artists in London and the walls of the Hospital served this purpose.
The rich and powerful were encouraged to come and view the pictures as well as the children, with the hope that they might commission works from one of the exhibiting artists and contribute to the work of the Hospital.
George Frideric Handel also supported the Hospital's charitable work by giving benefit performances of his work in the Chapel.
In the 1920's the Foundling Hospital was pulled down, but the treasures were saved and moved to 40 Brunswick Square. The Foundling Museum houses the nationally important Foundling Hospital Collection. The work with very vulnerable children continued with the Thomas Coram Foundation for Children, today known as Coram Family. The Foundling Museum was established in 1998 as a separate but closely linked charity.
|
|
Collections description
At the Museum you can see:
* Poignant social history gallery telling the story of London's first home for abandoned children, including personal histories, artefacts, photographs and recordings;
* London's first art gallery featuring works by Hogarth, Rysbrack, Gainsborough, Reynolds, Roubiliac, Hudson, Ramsay and Wilson;
* Fine eighteenth-century, Rococo and Georgian interiors; and
* Gerald Cook Handel collection of Handel memorabilia.
|
|
|
|
Key artists and exhibits
London's first children's home
;
Rococo interior
;
Georgian interior
;
Coram
;
Hogarth
;
Rysbrack
;
Gainsborough
;
Reynolds
;
Roubiliac
;
Hudson
;
Ramsay
;
Wilson
;
Handel
|
|
Articles
Heritage Lottery Award For Restoring Hogarth's Chiswick Home
RSVP - Artists Return To Foundling Museum After 267 Years
News In Brief - Week Ending June 3 2007
Culture Minister Says Museums Are Heart Of UK Cultural Renaissance
An Interview With Mary Prince
Muslim Histories In London During June And July
Tudor Chair's Tale Wins 24 Hour Museum/MGM Arts Writing Prize
|
|
Trails
Charity, Orphans & Foundlings In the Pre-Modern Islamic World
Hidden Treasures: London
Hidden Treasure Trail 1 - The People's Museum In London
|
|
Events
An English Interior - exhibition at the Foundling Museum
Exhibition (temporary)
Beethoven and Youth: recital at the Foundling Museum
Performance
Family Fun at the Foundling Museum: A Victorian Foundling Christmas
Workshop or activity session
Foundling Sunday: talk and concert at the Foundling Museum
Lecture; Performance
New London Orchestra at the Foundling Museum: Daniela Lehner & Jose Luis Gayo
Performance
OCA Carol Service at the Foundling Museum
Performance
Letting the brush do the work: Youth art workshop at the Foundling Museum
Workshop or activity session
Family Fun at the Foundling Museum: What Is It?
Workshop or activity session
|
|
General Information
Brochure or leaflet available with directions to museum
Pre-booking service for groups
Information point provided
Guided tours
|
|
|
Collections
General guide to collections available
Object identification and/or written enquiry service
Object study facilities available (enquire in advance)
|
|
|
Disability Access
Parking for disabled available
Toilets for disabled
Wheelchair access to all public areas
|
|
|
Children and Families
Activities for pre-school children
Baby changing facilities
Children's play area
Events and resources for children and families
|
|
|
General Education
Academic publications and resources available
Adult lectures and courses held
Education facilities available
Member of staff available with responsibility for education
Teaching/resources available for HE/FE students
|
|
|
Schools Education
Direct teaching services for schools
Primary school education service available
Secondary school education service available
|
|
|
Facilities
Cafeteria
Facilities for private functions and events
Meeting room available
Object study facilities available (enquire in advance)
Refreshments
Research facilities for academics
Restaurant
Shop
|
|
|
 |
|
Visit our City Heritage Guides for more
listings in London
|
|
|
|
 |
|
Copyright © 24 Hour Museum
Information published here was believed to be correct at the time it was prepared. Welsh language pages developed with CYMAL: Museums Archives and Libraries Wales, funded by the Welsh Assembly Government.
|
|
