‘Bedrooms of London’, a new photographic exhibition at the Foundling Museum in London, documents the living conditions of the capital’s most disadvantaged children
The damaging consequences for children arising from the shortage of social housing in London are laid bare in ‘Bedrooms of London’, a new photo-documentary exhibition at London’s Foundling Museum from 8 February to 5 May, 2019. This thought-provoking exhibition is created in partnership with London’s child poverty charity, The Childhood Trust and award-winning social change communications agency GOOD, in response to the social housing crisis affecting London’s most disadvantaged children.
The exhibition presents a new body of work by photographer Katie Wilson. Focusing on the spaces which children are sleeping, the photographs are shown alongside first-hand narratives from families, and offer a poignant insight into the lives and experiences of children living in poverty across London.
The exhibition reflects The Foundling Museum’s mission to inspire everyone to make a positive contribution to society, by celebrating the power of the individual and the arts to change lives.
Antousha, Gabriela & Moses
Antousha (5), Gabriela (4) and Moses (1), share a two-bedroom flat with their parents, Beatrice and George. The family receives benefits but neither George nor Beatrice, a trained nurse, can work. They are in debt from court fees and depend on charity support.
Adam
9-month-old Adam sleeps with mum Emily and dad Martin in the living room. With sister Patricia (10), brothers Bradley (6) and Harry (3), the family of six also eat here as there is nowhere to sit.
Edward
Edward (4) and mum Genavieve, live in a one-room hostel where they have been for nearly a year.
Nadine, Crystal, Peter & Simone
Nadine (17), Crystal (16), Peter (15) and Simone (9) live with mum and dad in a two- bedroom flat. The children share one room and spend their leisure time here, between studying and helping mum to tidy the flat.
Christopher & Simon
Christopher (4) and Simon (2) are always at home with mum, Sainey. Sainey was trafficked to London as a domestic slave. Now free, she can’t afford clothes for her growing children.
Rory & Vanessa
Rory (6) and his sister Vanessa (2) live in temporary accommodation. Their mother, Zainab washes their clothes in the shower and stores food on the bathroom shelves.
Admission
Adults, £11 with donation, Free for children.
Location
The Foundling Museum, 40 Brunswick Square, London WC1N 1AZ
Travel
Tube and train: Russell Square, King’s Cross St Pancras and Euston.
If you would like to help deprived children in London, visit childhoodtrust.org.uk
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