The tokens invite us to imagine untold life stories. Today historian Janette Bright shares insights into a tiny ruby ring and a mysterious newspaper advert, and we hear from jewellery maker and designer Alex Monroe about a divided medal and a hoped-for reunion.

Presented by Kathleen Palmer, former Curator of Exhibitions and Displays at London’s Foundling Museum.

Written and produced by Minnie Scott with Louis Mealing.

Music by Ben Jacob.

Audio production by Will Jacob.

Interviewees:

Janette Bright, historian and co-curator of Fate, Hope and Charity. View the token Janette chose ⁠here⁠.

Alex Monroe, jewellery maker and designer. View the token Alex chose ⁠here⁠.

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The tokens are your passport to Georgian London in our online exhibition, ⁠⁠Tokens of History⁠⁠. Discover different facets of eighteenth-century society, guided by nine historians, including Janette Bright, who you heard on this episode.

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You can see Janette and Alex's tokens, along with many others, on display at the Foundling Museum ⁠⁠40 Brunswick Square London, WC1N 1AZ⁠⁠

Tuesday – Saturday 10am – 5pm

Sunday 11am – 5pm

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Take this Token and Tokens of History are supported by the Woven Foundation, previously the Artisa Foundation, and the Deborah Loeb Brice Foundation.