This spring, the Foundling Museum presents the first major exhibition to explore the representation of foundlings, orphans, adoptees, and foster children in comics. Examining over a century of mainstream comics, graphic novels and sequential art from around the world, Superheroes, Orphans & Origins: 125 years in comics explores the challenging origins and complex identities of some of the most popular figures in comics.

The exhibition looks beyond the traditional ‘superhero’ genre to explore characters from early newspaper comic strips, including Skeezix from Gasoline Alley, who was left on a doorstep in 1921, and Little Orphan Annie. Historical newspapers, original artwork and contemporary digital work will be on display, as well as examples of international comics rarely exhibited in the UK.

Image: New York World’s Fair Comics, Vol. 1 #2, Jack Burnley ©️ & ™️ DC . All Rights Reserved. Used with permission.

About The Foundling Museum

The Foundling Museum tells the story of the Foundling Hospital, founded in 1739 as a home for children whose mothers couldn’t keep or care for them. It was the UK’s first children’s charity. They use art and objects to unravel the past and keep its stories alive and relevant. Through our Foundling Fellows, we also drive projects with outstanding creative individuals to continue transforming young lives. Fellows include: Quentin Blake, Lily Cole, Sam Lee, Grayson Perry, Lemn Sissay, Yinka Shonibare, Sports Banger and Jacqueline Wilson.

Our Private Views: 

This KQ’s Private View will take place in person at the Foundling Museum. Once you have signed up via Eventbrite you will receive instructions to find the venue by email 48 hrs before the event.

If you have any questions please get in touch with Mia (mia.johnson@bl.uk)

Can’t attend but want to receive invitations to future private views? Sign up to our update here.