Self Directed School Visits
Learning resources are created by practicing artists and writers. The resources explore the story of the Foundling Hospital and the history of social care through conversation, debate and practical activities.
For self guided visits we do not provide copies of the resource or the materials (in the art box). Before you arrive for your visit, you will need to download and print up the resource at school, enough for one per child and bring this along with you. Or you may choose to work on paper and use the resource as a guide. You will need to bring the materials needed to complete the activities, with you.
The Foundling Museum and the Story of the Gift of Art
The arts play a very special role in the Foundling Museum and in particular visual arts. Based in the Museums permanent Collection, this resource uses art as a means to explore the history of the Foundling Hospital as well as ideas around social care for children. Students will engage with the story of the Foundling Hospital through critical thinking, looking, discussion and practical art activities.
Click here to download the resource in pdf format.
Images: Thomas Coram, 1963, by William MacMillan RA (1887-1977) © Foundling Museum and Baby things [Mitten], 2008, patinated bronze © Tracey Emin
Dickens and the Foundling Hospital
This creative writing resource is based on our autumn 2012 exhibition Received, a Blank Child: Dickens, Brownlow and the Foundling Hospital. Students will explore Charles Dickens’ and John Brownlow’s connection with the Foundling Hospital, their roles in the history of social reform, campaigning, petitioning and different styles of writing.
Click here to download the resource in pdf format.
Images: Admission to the Foundling Hospital by Ballot, etching by Nathanial Parr after painting by Samuel Wale © Coram in the care of the Foundling Museum and detail from Receipt for a child received into the Foundling Hospital, 30 April 1855 © Coram
The Foundling Museum and Contemporary Artists
This self-led resource explores the links the Museum has with contemporary artists. It explores the links the Foundling Museum has with contemporary artists. It focuses on four key aspects and four contemporary artists with links to the Foundling Museum:
The Artwork: Creating pieces for the Foundling Museum: Clare Twomey
The Artists: Supporting the Foundling Museum: Jeremy Deller
The Collection: Objects and meaning: Richard Wentworth
The Foundlings: Personal histories and memories: Grayson Perry
Click here to download the resource in PDF format.
Images: Still from The Battle of Orgrave, 17 June 2001 © Jeremy Deller and detail from The March of the Guards to Finchley, 1749-50, by William Hogarth (1697-1764) © The Foundling Museum
Fate, Hope & Charity DIY Creative Booklet
Designed by a practicing artist, this DIY creative booklet contains a range of creative activities, including writing, drawing, making and thinking. This encourages students to explore, analyze and record the exhibition Fate, Hope & Charity. With guidance from a teacher the resource is designed so that students can work alone or in pairs.
Fate, Hope & Charity reunites the tokens with the foundlings and reveals the untold stories of grief and separation between a mother and child.
Click here to download the Teachers' Notes which accompany the resource.
Click here to download the resource in PDF format.
Images: Foundling Hospital Tokens © Foundling Museum, London and Coram
Booking Information
Maximum 30 children per group
Free for children, young people and teachers.
Self-directed visits must be booked in advance on a first come first served basis. To book please contact 020 7841 3610 or email enquiries@foundlingmuseum.org.uk
