Artists are central to the Foundling Hospital story and the spirit of its Artist Governors lives on in the work of the many practitioners who support our programmes, from visual artists and film makers, to musicians and designers. They remind us that the arts do not just provide the visuals, the commentary and the soundtrack to our lives; they can change, challenge and improve them.
Our Learning Programme
Our learning programme brings the Foundling Hospital story to life in ways that are meaningful for young people, especially those who are looked after and care experienced, to help them see the world differently and to imagine new possibilities for themselves. Work from these projects is showcased in the Museum through displays and our public events programme.
Young Artists’ Platform
One Thursday lunchtime each month we host a concert featuring some of the finest young players of the moment. For the last few years, we have partnered with the Philharmonia Orchestra to provide monthly recital opportunities for their MMSF Instrumental Fellows. The scheme has been developed to equip musicians at the start of their careers with real-world performance experience, whilst inviting them to engage with our history and collections through their programming. Discover our forthcoming concerts.
Foundling Fellows
Our Foundling Fellows are ambassadors for our work. The Foundling Fellowship is given biennially to three creative individuals whose work resonates with the visionary, creative philanthropy of Thomas Coram, William Hogarth and George Frideric Handel. Each of our Fellows creates a project that brings our historic story to life and contributes to the work of the Museum.
Past projects include Superman was a Foundling, a site-specific work by Lemn Sissay OBE, and Dawn Chorus by Chris Watson. Both are on permanent display in the Museum for visitors to experience.
Other projects include a short film by Lily Cole, Fire Choir – a community choir led by award-winning folk singer Sam Lee, the 2016 exhibition FOUND curated by Cornelia Parker CBE, and Back to Front Weekend conceived by Yinka Shonibare CBE RA.
Dame Jacqueline Wilson’s Hetty Feather series of books and Sir Michael Morpurgo’s Lucky Button were inspired by the story of the Foundling Hospital.