A museum that houses a number of British treasures and tells a very interesting story about philanthropy in the 18th century.

The Foundling Hospital was conceived by Thomas Coram as the first ever home dedicated to abandoned children. The resident waifs attracted the sympathy of many society grandees, including the painter William Hogarth. Hogarth encouraged artists and particularly wealthy art collectors to give something from their collection to the Hospital, in the hope of attracting wealthy visitors.

This donor scheme attracted all sorts of benefactors and casual visitors from far and wide. Thus the Foundling Hospital was not only a pioneering orphanage, but also the first public art gallery in British history. Presidents included Hogarth and the composer George Frederic Handel.

A fascinating, moving story is laid out in the original 18th century house which was the Hospital headquarters, and the museum is also packed with art from benefactors. An obscure, little known but utterly compelling museum.