GALLERIES, DISAPPEARED

The Thomas Coram Foundation For Children

Captain Thomas Coram spent a number of years living and working in North America. Following his return to London he was shocked by the sight of destitute children in the city's streets. He secured financial backing from a number of aristocrats and bought a 56-acre site in Lamb's Conduit Fields. In 1742 the construction of the Foundling Hospital was begun.

The painter and engraver William Hogarth was one of the Hospital's governors and actively sought to aid it. He realised that the venture would only succeed if it were able to maintain the interest of the capital's wealthy leisured classes and therefore perhaps their support. He persuaded a number of his fellow artists to give works to the Hospital. Together these pieces formed a substantial attraction that helped to make it a place of fashionable assembly. Thus, its well-being and that of its charges became a matter of social interest. In their turn, the artists benefited from their work being continuously exposed to people who could afford to purchase their output.

Location: 49 Mecklenburgh Square, WC1N 2QA. The building contains a re-assembly of the original Court Room. (red, blue)

Website: www.coram.org.uk

David Backhouse 2024