Handel and Hogarth dined here! Celebrate Handel's 250th anniversary at the Foundling!
15/12/08
The Foundling is marking the 250 anniversary of Handel's death (14 April 1759) with the exhibition Handel the Philanthropist. The exhibition is one of only two planned in London for this important anniversary and will focus on his charitable life, drawing the parallel between the eighteenth century and our own times, when philanthropy is again a significant force for social change and an activity with which individuals wish to become involved
The composer George Frideric Handel was one of the noted philanthropists of the eighteenth century using his reputation as the leading composer to support charitable causes. He was a benefactor of the Foundling Hospital, Britain's first home for abandoned and illegitimate babies, giving regular benefit performances of Messiah in the Hospital chapel to raise significant sums of money to support the children and making the Hospital a beneficiary of his will.
Guests will be able to view the exciting and topical exhibition before dining in the elegant 18 century interiors of the museum. One of London's finest rococo interiors, the Court Room was designed by William Hogarth as the show case for British Art and led to the formation of the Royal Academy. The Court Room would have been used by Hogarth and Handel for governors dinners! The magnificent Picture Gallery displays the works of art which were given by the artists to the hospital and formed England's first public exhibition space in 1740's.
The museum can suggest a range of high caliber musicians who are able to perform baroque music from gentle background to full recitals to accompany dinners and receptions making the event a highly desirable evening.
The exhibition runs from 16 January to 28 June 2009
