Coram has partnered with the National Trust property Quebec House in Westerham, Kent to invite local primary school children to take part in an art competition that brings history to life through creativity.
Opening today, 6 October, the competition, A Token Speaks a Thousand Words, asks children aged 4–11 to design and create fabric tokens to commemorate the 469 children who once lived at the Westerham branch of the Foundling Hospital.
In the 18th century, mothers who gave their children to the Foundling Hospital would often leave a small token, such as a button, ribbon, or coin, as a symbol of love and identity. These tokens represented the hope of reunion and are powerful reminders of stories of belonging, loss, and resilience.
The winning 469 tokens will be displayed in the Coach House at Quebec House from April 2026 and throughout the year.
This project, developed by Coram, offers children an engaging, cross-curricular learning experience that connects history, art, and wellbeing. Through the mindful act of crafting, pupils will explore themes of identity and belonging while also meeting key elements of the national curriculum in history and art.
A free downloadable toolkit is available via the Coram SCARF website to guide teachers and carers in leading sessions to create the tokens.
Donna Hill, head of Coram SCARF, said: “This competition is a fantastic way for children in Kent to connect with the history in their local area and learn about what it was like for children in the 18th century who grew up in the Foundling Hospital. Creating fabric tokens is the perfect way for children to bring this history to life and get creative in the classroom!”
The competition is open for entries from 12pm on 6 October 2025 to 12pm on 21 November 2025. Find out more at coram.org.uk/national-trust-tokens-competition.