Tiny Traces presents a rich history of London life from 1739-1820, a key period in Britain’s colonial past. Follow the stories of more than a dozen children from the African and Asian diasporas through personal items, physical artefacts, works of art and archival documents. Visitors can also explore the circumstances surrounding their admission to the Hospital, including the parents’ lives, the Hospital’s ties to Empire and the wider picture of colonial Britain.
Running as a parallel thread throughout the exhibition, works of art from leading contemporary artists form a dialogue with the historic narratives. These works enable visitors to explore the many emotions arising from the archive, and ask questions about the past, present and future. Displayed are pieces by Zarina Bhimji, Hew Locke, Kehinde Wiley, Alexis Peskine, Deborah Roberts and Shanti Panchal.