MAGPIE'S MUMBLINGS

A blog about my interests, which include fabric landscapes and various and assorted other artsy pursuits and sometimes known to contain mumblings of a random nature.

Friday, August 19, 2011

Interesting, and oh so sad

I don't know if you have heard about the foundling swatches and their significance in history. The Foundling Hospital in London England was founded in 1741 for the care of deserted children.  Often scraps of cloth were included with the meager records that were kept in the hopes that the children would be reclaimed someday and the fabric pieces could be used as a means of identification.  The fact that these fabric scraps have survived all these years is a miracle and a tribute to the strength it must have taken for parents to give up their children - into an uncertain future.  Many of them died while at the Hospital, some were adopted, and many more were indentured. 

There are two very interesting articles with further information HERE and also HERE.  It's a significant part of fabric history and well worth reading about.

4 comments:

  1. Great job on the post. I like the entrance sign to the playground. This story is something isn't it.
    Deb

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  2. I bought the book...it's heartbreaking.

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  3. The articles were very sad to read and just imagine how these Mothers felt leaving their little ones.

    It is amazing how the little fragments survived. he one with the red heart really got to me. Just imagine.

    Hugs

    FredaB

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  4. How sad to see that so many of these infants died weeks after admittance to the orphanage. At least they had a few weeks of food and warmth. I think it would be hard to study the textiles since each one would be a reminder of a wee little one.

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Thank you so much for leaving comments! I appreciate you taking the time out of your busy life to talk to me. It's wonderful to know that someone is actually reading my mumblings and even more fun if I can connect with you and visit your blog.