Tokens of Mystery and Hope

The tokens invite us to imagine untold life stories. Today historian Janette Bright shares insights into a tiny ruby ring and a mysterious newspaper advert, and we hear from jewellery maker and designer Alex Monroe about a divided medal and a hoped-for reunion. 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: Janette Bright, historian and co-curator of Fate, Hope and Charity. View the token Janette chose ⁠here⁠. Alex Monroe, jewellery maker and designer. View the token Alex 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, including Janette Bright, who you heard on this episode. –– You can see Janette and Alex's tokens, along with many others, on display at the Foundling Museum ⁠⁠40 Brunswick Square London, WC1N 1AZ⁠⁠  Tuesday – Saturday 10am – 5pm Sunday 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.

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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.