Thomas Coram was a famously plain-speaking and down-to-earth man. Hogarth’s wonderful portrait of him shows this through his rumpled coat and slightly unbuttoned waistcoat. Here is a man who has more important things to think about than fashionable dress. 🌟 Enrich your afternoon with an art history talk covering all things British Portraiture with Dr Matthew Morgan this Friday from 3-4pm. You can join us in-person here at the Museum or tune in online.⁠ ⁠ The talk will cover portrait painting in the 18th century, diving into the history of this genre and what makes it so compelling.⁠ ⁠ Book your tickets: https://tinyurl.com/2s486e9v Online event: https://tinyurl.com/3sdz2abp (fb)

'A seaman, a composer and a painter, and the moving story of the charity they started 270 years ago. It is a recipe of art and care, which still looks after kids today. Coram, Handel, Hogarth, what’s not to love?' - Grayson Perry It's #InternationalMuseumsDay today! Here at the Foundling Museum, we celebrate people who have been in care, and all those who care for them ❤️ Our story begins with the Foundling Hospital, the UK’s first children’s charity and public art gallery, supported by leading 18th-century artists. Based in a 1930s building that was once the headquarters of the children’s charity, you can see many original features from the 18th-century Hospital, including paintings by Hogarth and Gainsborough, and even Handel's Will. These are on display alongside striking works of contemporary art, historical artefacts and the stories of people who have been a part of the care system. Our visitors especially love our token collection featuring everyday objects left by 18th-century mothers to identify the babies they left at the Hospital. Each token tells us about London's history and gives us a glimpse into how the mothers felt and their circumstances. Visit us to discover compelling stories of love, loss and care. 📸 Fernando Manoso (fb)