UK
Our work with artists - Foundling Museum
Our work with artists - Foundling Museum
The Museum brings its historic story of children in care to life, in ways that are meaningful for people today, by working with outstanding artists from all creative disciplines, including our Foundling Fellows.
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.
Read the story behind our photography project
Foundling Portraits Campaign
Browse through our past exhibitions
Past Exhibitions & Projects
2020
Sir Quentin Blake CH CBE
Foundling Fellow
Jonny Banger
Foundling Fellow
Jackie Kay CBE
Foundling Fellow
2018
Andria Zafirakou MBE
Foundling Fellow
Chi-Chi Nwanoku CBE
Foundling Fellow
Lauren Child CBE
Foundling Fellow
2016
Lily Cole
Foundling Fellow
Sam Lee
Foundling Fellow
Bob and Roberta Smith OBE
Foundling Fellow
2014
Lemn Sissay OBE
Trustee & Foundling Fellow
Chris Watson
Foundling Fellow
Cornelia Parker CBE
Foundling Fellow
2012
Sir Michael Morpurgo OBE
Foundling Fellow
Dame Emma Kirkby DBE
Foundling Fellow
Yinka Shonibare CBE
Foundling Fellow
2010
Cerrie Burnell
Foundling Fellow
Julian Lloyd Webber OBE
Foundling Fellow
Sir Grayson Perry CBE
Foundling Fellow
2008
Dame Jacqueline Wilson DBE
Foundling Fellow
Damon Albarn OBE
Foundling Fellow
Richard Wentworth CBE
Foundling Fellow
Some of our past exhibitions & projects
Contemporary Conversations
When Thomas Coram established the Hospital in 1739, contemporary artists of the day stepped up to support the charity in its work of caring for society’s most vulnerable children.
A Grand Chorus: The Power of Music
2 Oct 2025 – 31 May 2026
Explore the life-affirming power of music through the lens of Handel’s iconic ‘Hallelujah Chorus’ in our current exhibition.
The Foundling Hospital Boys' Band
6 Jan – 31 May 2026
Discover the story of the success of the Foundling Hospital Boys' Band.
Handel's Heroines: Lucy Crowe OBE, Bridget Cunningham & London Early Opera
23 Apr 2026
Internationally acclaimed soprano Lucy Crowe OBE joins conductor and harpsichordist Bridget Cunningham for a spellbinding evening of opera.
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What's on today
Open 10am — 5pm
Exhibitions & Displays
A Grand Chorus: The Power of Music
2 Oct 2025 – 31 May 2026
Exhibitions & Displays
The Foundling Hospital Boys’ Band
6 Jan – 31 May 2026
Concerts
Handel’s Heroines: Lucy Crowe OBE, Bridget Cunningham & London Early Opera
23 Apr 2026
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Adult ticket £14.50 (£13.50 online), reduced price and free tickets available.
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Please note: some events require separate tickets. Check the event page for details.