| Synopsis: |
Tokens for the Foundlings is an anthology of poetry about childhood published for the benefit of the Foundlings Museum in London, with royalties paid to it. The museum, established by tradesman and shipowner Thomas Coram in 1739 with the support of Hogarth and Handel, was both the first orphanage in Britain and the first public art gallery. It has an ongoing programme of art exhibitions and other events, an educational programme and has an art collection which includes Hogarth and Gainsborough (another supporter) and a collection of ms, books and libretti by Handel. The book is divided into three sections, concerning orphans and foundlings, infancy, and early childhood and will include poems by Gillian Clarke, Carol Ann Duffy, Helen Dunmore, Stephen Knight, Don Paterson, Elaine Feinstein, Dannie Abse, Seamus Heaney, David Harsent, Carol Rumens, Kate Bingham, Michael Longley and George Szirtes among many others, all of whom have donated their work. Childhood and parenting are enduring themes for poets and Tokens for the Foundlings offers a unique entry into these subjects through moving and beautiful poems.Author and journalist Daisy Goodwin will write the Foreword, and the book's cover features a Foundling Museum artwork by Tracey Emin. The book will be launched at the museum, and events are planned at a number of literary festivals around Britain. |