"This important Ordnance Survey map of London's Foundling Hospital was published locally by Edward Stanford & Co. It is dated 1915 on the front cover, which notes that the Governor (and possible previous owner) was then Reginald St. Aubyn Roumieu, a prominent philanthropist and architect. The image provides a large-scale overview of the entire estate of the charitable organization. The central building, containing a chapel, is flanked by two manicured squares and a large courtyard. Surrounding properties, primarily consisting of small offices and apartments, are numbered. Large businesses or leasees like the Taverners' Hotel, Jews' College, Express Dairy, and Borough Council Electricity Department are named (by hand). Additional manuscript annotations note that two parcels had been previously sold in 1872 and 1904, the latter becoming the Russell Square Station. The Foundling Hospital was established in 1739 by successful sea captain Thomas Coram as an early organization dedicated to the care of abandoned and orphaned children. Prominent supporters included the artist William Hogarth and composer George Frederic Handel, who both contributed to its fundraising efforts. The site presented here was first occupied in 1745 and operated through the 19th century, but by the 1920s, London's urban density encompassed the entire grounds and the hospital relocated to the countryside. Today, the Foundling Hospital operates as the charitable organization Coram, the headquarters of which are present in a newly constructed building near the original structure. Source." Sheet Width (in) 34.1 Sheet Height (in) 24 Condition Description "Four separate printed sheets, dissected into 24 panels and mounted on linen (as issued). Folds neatly into 4.25" x 8.25" form, with marbled front cover and dated owner's inscription. The linen is soiled in several areas, most evident along the top third of the sheet, but it does not affect the image. There is some minor soiling running across the top of the page, concentrated in the upper left. Several contemporary manuscript annotations throughout in both pencil and ink. Good to very good overall, with original color."
