The Foundling Museum’s new exhibition transforms Covid-19 letters into art
Do you recall the Covid-19 letters sent to UK residents by the Prime Minister Boris Johnson? They urged people to stay home at the start of lockdown.
The designer Jonny Banger has turned these letters into art with the help of the nation’s children.
As a result, The Covid Letters is an art exhibition on display in The Foundling Museum (24 Oct-17 Jan 2021).
The concept
This new exhibition will showcase art created by under 16s in response to the coronavirus letters.
Banger asked the children to express their emotions regarding the government’s handling of the coronavirus crisis and the NHS directly on the letters.
The works
Over 200 creative works ranging from scribbles to anti-government graffiti will be on display – including the imprint of a toddler’s bottom in paint.
Banger says, “I couldn’t be happier using my platform to give kids a voice. Little anarchists spreading joy. The Foundling Museum is an important part of the social history of London and the UK, its story more relevant than ever. I’m so happy the exhibition is showing here, it actually means something.”
The Foundling Museum trustee and Turner Prize-winning artist, Jeremy Deller, says, “The Covid Letters are the best art to come out of lockdown. I am very jealous. They are funny, naughty and angry in equal measure.”
The Foundling Museum’s mission is to honour the history of The Foundling Hospital, the UK’s first children’s charity. The gallery uses art to help disadvantaged children and to inspire people to make the world a better place.
