2-636-827 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

'Capitain Thomas Coram', 1740. The philanthropist Thomas Coram (1668-1751) founded the Foundling Hospital after seeing the plight of children left abandoned in the streets, many of whom were young babies close to death. Poverty-stricken mothers would bring their children to the gate, and competition for places was fierce. Handel and Hogarth were among the eminent people who took an active interest in the activities of the hospital. From William Hogarth, by Austin Dobson. [Hachette Et Cie, Paris, 1904]