Psalms and Hymns for Use by Orphans in the Chapel of the Foundling Hospital

Psalms, Hymns & Anthems Used in the Chapel of the Hospital for the Maintenance & Education of Exposed & Deserted Young Children.
[London: s.n., 1774]. (BRA2357)

The Foundling Hospital in London, founded in 1741, was an orphanage intended for the “maintenance and education of exposed and deserted young children.” The first edition of this entirely engraved psalm and hymn book, to be used by the orphans in the institution’s musical services, includes twenty-nine psalms, sixteen hymns, and seven anthems. The engraved illustrated title page (on display) shows, to the left of the title, a poor mother with a naked infant at her breast and two nearly-naked children at her feet. On the right-hand side, balancing the image and representing the successful work of the orphanage, are two older children in clean and proper attire.