Join Elinor Cleghorn for a tour inspired by her new book A Woman’s Work – the first comprehensive history of mothers and mothering from antiquity to today.
Beginning in the ancient world, it traces how each era contracted its own idealised vision of motherhood – from the misogynistic dogma of the early church and the stigmatisation of single mothers in 17th-century England all the way through to the post-war myth of the perfectly contented housewife. But we also learn how mothers of all classes and circumstances fought back, and lobbied to be valued, respected and supported, not as reproductive vessels, but as people.
In this guided tour, we’ll delve specifically into how the stigmatisation of single mothers in 17th and 18th century England shaped the need for institutions like the Foundling Hospital, seen through the lens of the Museum’s Collection.
The tour includes entry to the Museum and the current exhibition A Grand Chorus: The Power of Music which closes on 31 May.
Tickets are available for the tour only, or for the tour an a copy of A Woman’s Work. Please assemble at the Front Desk at 10:55am.
To find out how to get here, including where to eat and drink, view our visitor information page here.
To find out more about access at the Foundling Museum, including how to book a wheelchair, visit our Accessibility page here.
