Creative action transforms lives at the Foundling Museum 

On leafy Brunswick Square in the heart of Bloomsbury, London, sits the Foundling Museum, opened in 2004. It was on these same grounds in 1739 that philanthropist Thomas Coram established the Foundling Hospital, to care for babies at risk of abandonment by parents facing extreme poverty or ill health – all in the hope that their children would have brighter prospects under its care. Over the next 200 years of operation, the hospital would look after 25,000 children. 

Today the museum brings to life the stories of love, loss, and care found in its rich archive and collection, with a mission to inspire change through the power of the arts. Since 2018, the Tracing our Tales traineeship has provided unique, inspiring support for young adults leaving care across London. A team of dynamic artists and writers lead workshops in everything from poetry to wire art. The atmosphere is fun and encouraging, giving trainees space to learn skills and succeed with the support of consistent, dependable role models. In this way, the traineeship gives young people the chance to feel at home in a museum that truly champions their lives, and in which they have a shared history of care.  

The Foundling Museum draws from this shared history – and the life experiences of its trainees – to illuminate the stories and objects in its collection. Each year, 32 young adults graduate from Tracing our Tales, which leaves them with a solid foundation for the future, while improving their wellbeing, confidence and self-esteem. Every trainee says they leave the sessions feeling happier than when they arrived. 

“Before the traineeship, I was a very different person,” says one participant. “They instil such confidence and self-belief in you.” 

Course leaders support care leavers to develop their own creative portfolios, and help them build their confidence regarding what they believe they’re capable of. As the course progresses, trainees are supported to deliver their own arts workshops, which enables them to benefit from the Foundling Museum’s outreach work. 

“I was scared of going out and interacting with other people, but the teachers encouraged me to run a workshop for more than 50 people,” says another trainee. “It took me from a shy person who couldn’t talk at all, to someone who has a lot of confidence.” 

After qualifying as arts workshop assistants, graduates often go on to further study or employment. They are also eligible to apply for the Foundling Museum’s annual apprenticeship opportunity. 

The museum’s connection with the history of the Foundling Hospital also gives it a unique platform to campaign for children’s rights and issues affecting children. It works to convene decision-makers, attract influential figures to speak at events and symposia, and promote subjects that showcase the intersection between children’s welfare, social impact, and the arts. This work highlights how, three hundred years after Coram’s founding vision, the legacy of the Foundling Hospital continues to make waves for children’s rights. 

In 2022, Tracing our Tales won the Museums + Heritage Award for Learning Programme of the Year, recognising the programme’s innovation and relevance to the Foundling Museum’s purpose and collection. 

Oak supports Tracing Our Tales at the Foundling Museum through our Special Interest Programme. Driven by the interests and passions of Oak’s Trustees, the programme provides the space and flexibility to make grants outside of Oak’s other programme strategies. You can listen to the Foundling Museum’s Take this Token podcast here, or watch the video below: