Alex Monroe Token Necklaces

"What would you do if you had to give up a loved one? Would you leave them a keepsake? Would you write them a special message? All of us would surely hope to be reunited one day." -Alex Monroe

Drawing inspiration from the Foundling Museum collection of tokens, Alex Monroe has created nine silver necklaces featuring old and new tokens. When parents left their infants at the Foundling Hospital they often left a small token: a unique item that they could use as an identifier, should they ever be in a place to reclaim the baby. These tokens were often everyday items, such as coins, keys or padlocks, made by special with engravings or messages left by the parents.

Alex Monroe invites visitors to browse the Fate, Hope & Charity exhibition then to consider creating their own token. Choose from four necklaces inspired by actual tokens and five contemporary pieces found by Alex. On 9 February and 9 March 2013, Alex and his craftspeople will be in the Foundling Museum to engrave your special message, free of charge. The messages will be recorded in a ledger and posted online as a modern record of tokens.

Each necklace is made of sterling silver on an adjustable 16" chain. The watch piece features at 24" chain. Engraving is optional.

Available tokens:

Heart token with flower and leaf detail- £114.00

Fish-shaped gambling token with tiny heart- £114.00

Mini decanter label token- £114.00

Slender heart token with flower and leaf detail- £114.00

Found little lego brick token- £114.00

Found Monopoly house token- £114.00

Textured button token- £114.00

Found padlock keys token- £135.00

Found watch piece token- £135.00

To purchase, call +44 (0)20 7841 3613 or email shop@foundlingmuseum.org.uk. We ship throughout the UK and internationally. Packing and postage charges apply.