First Floor - Picture Gallery
This room is a 1930s replica of the original Picture Gallery. Art, music, and vulnerable children caused the wealthy to flock to parade their refinement and charity.
A recognizable painting is the portrait of Captain Thomas Coram, 1740 by William Hogarth. The artist gave this painting to the Hospital and encouraged others to follow his example which helped to create this remarkable collection which has remained intact.
First Floor - Court Room
The Court Room is the most splendid of all the rooms. The room was completed in 1745, dismantled in 1926, stored and reconstructed here showing one of the finest 18th century Rococo interiors. The Court Room was the Governor’s meeting room and is still used in this way.
Within the Court Room you will see paintings by Gainsborough and Hogarth including the well-known Moses Brought before Pharaoh’s Daughter, 1752 by Hogarth.
Tip: Use the information sheet at the door to identify the artworks.
Second Floor
Gerald Coke began his private Handel collection in the 1930s and it was given to the Foundling Museum in 2004.
Handel’s will is on display under a leather cover to preserve it. Handel left the Foundling Museum a copy of the Messiah which is on display in a cabinet with other exhibits of his life.
The centerpiece of the room is a timeline of Handel’s life. I discovered in 1750 there were earthquakes in London and Westminster Bridge was opened. There are pull-out drawers on the circular cabinet to see more exhibits.
Musical Chairs
The armchairs around the room are all musical chairs as you can listen to extracts from Handel’s works while seated in each. There are books to help you make your choice.
In the corner of the room you can see the keyboard of the original organ presented by George Frideric Handel for the Foundling Hospital Chapel.
