WSG’s host institution, the Foundling Museum, has just launched an appeal to raise funds for its autumn exhibition, Ladies of Quality and Distinction. In 1739 Thomas Coram received his Royal Charter from the King to set up the Foundling Hospital, which took in vulnerable babies at risk of abandonment. He was helped by a group of women who supported his cause.
In the Foundling’s own words, “We want to shine a light on the 21 forward thinking Georgian women – the eponymous Ladies – whose support helped Coram realise his dream of establishing the Foundling Hospital”. The museum has from now until 5 March – exactly a month – to raise £20,000 to reunite these women’s portraits, currently scattered around the UK, to hang in its Picture Gallery, which is usually full of the portraits of the original male governors.
WSG would be grateful if its readers could contribute to the appeal. If the total is not reached, the Foundling receives nothing – so no matter how small the donation, every little helps. There are various rewards, including tote bags, exhibition tickets, prints, and a private tour of the exhibition. You can also follow the progress of the appeal via the twitter hashtag #ladiesofquality.
Just think, 21 important women for 2018, the 100th anniversary of the Act which gave votes to some women over the age of 30 for the first time – please help!
Women's Studies Group 1558 - 1837 