Threads of Feeling

Yesterday I visited the Foundling Museum again, to see their temporary exhibit, Threads of Feeling.  I found the exhibition really moving, as is the story of Coram's Foundling Hospital. 

The exhibition displayed pieces of fabric never shown before that were left with babies when their mothers abandoned them at the Foundling Hospital. I had previously seen the 'tokens' mothers left with their children, but these were things like the below:

Between 1741 and 1760 more than 4,000 of the babies left had a piece of fabric to identify them.  Some of these materials were of extremely high quality, there were ribbons, embroidered pieces, scarps tied into bows or made into rosettes.  

What I found extremely interesting were the number of community projects carried out by artists involved in the Coran charity.  

Stories of the World: London

This was a showcase of work by young people from certain London boroughs were either looked after children or care leavers.  They were joined by artists and encouraged to work with ceramics, painting, film, objects, sound and installations to create pieces that explored their identity and life in care.  I am interested in how getting involved in these crafting practices helping the young people understand themselves and their environments better.  

Relinquaries 

Another collection of items in the Foundling Museum had been created by young mums and young people currently in care, who had been adopted or live in supported housing from Coram.  They were asked to produce modern day tokens that were inspired by the items in the Foundling Museum, again exploring ideas around identity. 

I really enjoyed these projects that explored the relationship between crafting, the charity and vulnerable young people. I would love for my artefacts to be used to help vulnerable people, to get them to explore who they are and where they fit.