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 In
1739 the philanthropist, Thomas Coram, 1668 - 1751, was granted
a charter by George II to establish a hospital for the care
and education of abandoned children.
The Foundling Hospital was built
in Lambs Conduit Fields and prominent artists of the day were
asked to become governors of the hospital. One of the
first was William Hogarth, who donated his portrait of Thomas
Coram to the hospital.
The Foundling Hospital became
the centre of cultural display and Handel, who left the rights
of the 'Messiah' to the hospital, held fund-raising concerts
in its chapel. It was London's first art gallery featuring
works by Hogarth, Rysbrack, Gainsborough, Reynolds, Roubiliac,
Hudson, Ramsay and Wilson.
In 1926 the hospital buildings
were demolished and the children moved to Hertfordshire. The
aim of the charity, now called Coram Family, is still the
care of children, particularly the under-fives.
 The
recently refurbished Foundling Museum tells the story of the
children cared for there over more than two centuries, using
original artefacts, photographs and oral histories.
On display are the foundation's
collections including the Gerald Coke Handel collection, the
largest collection of Handeliana outside the British Museum,
including Handel's will and Messiah conducting score.
Children,
young people and families are able to explore the Foundling
Museum through activity packs, audio guides, story books,
drawing activities and special events.
Thomas Coram is also remembered
in Coram Fields, 93 Guildford Street, a seven-acre children's
park with an under-fives play area, pets' corner, paddling
pool and cafe. No adults are allowed in without a child
and no dogs are allowed.
Cafe and shop.
Admission charge
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