Tokens of Identity

Today, we hear from two great champions of the Foundling Museum – director Caro Howell and writer and artist Lemn Sissay MBE – as we explore tokens and identity. Presented by Kathleen Palmer, former Curator of Exhibitions and Displays at London’s Foundling Museum. Written and produced by Minnie Scott with Louis Mealing. Music by Ben Jacob. Audio production by Will Jacob. Interviewees: Caro Howell has been Director of the Foundling Museum since 2011. In May 2023 she is taking up the role of Director-General at the Imperial War Museum. View the token Caro chose here. Lemn Sissay MBE, award winning writer, artist and broadcaster, and Foundling Museum trustee. View the token Lemn chose here. –– The tokens are your passport to Georgian London in our online exhibition, Tokens of History. Discover different facets of eighteenth-century society, guided by nine historians. –– You can see Caro and Lemn’s tokens, along with many others, on display at the Foundling Museum 40 Brunswick Square London, WC1N 1AZ Tuesday – Saturday 10am – 5pmSunday 11am – 5pm Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter Sign up to our newsletter. Take this Token and Tokens of History are supported by the Woven Foundation, previously the Artisa Foundation, and the Deborah Loeb Brice Foundation.

Om Podcasten

How can such tiny objects hold so much meaning? Hear personal stories, historical insights and creative responses – all inspired by the Foundling tokens. The Founding Hospital was one of Britain's first children's homes established in London in 1739. In its early days, anyone giving a baby into its care would also leave a token. These precious, emotionally-charged objects are on display today at the Foundling Museum in London. We talk to people with a connection to the Museum who take one token and share what they know, what they feel and what they imagine.