Hogarth's House funds boost

Hogarth's House just off the A4 - described by experts as a hidden gem - is to receive a £276,000 grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund which is also contributing £17,500 towards the letter's purchase to match money raised by local fundraisers.

The three-page manuscript, written to Suffolk artist and architect John Joshua Kirby and dated 1754 (pictured), will be the centrepiece of displays at Hogarth's House and Gunnersbury Park Museum but will then be housed at the Local Studies Library at Chiswick to protect it from damage.

A copy of the manuscript will always be on display at Hogarth's House, where it was written, and there will also be a "virtual exhibition" on the internet with digital images of the letter.

Councillor Paul Lynch, Hounslow Council's heritage champion, and lead member for children's services and education, said: "I am so grateful to everyone who gave so generously to help us achieve match-funding, and thank the Heritage Lottery Fund for their support. It means an exciting part of Hogarth's history will be put on display for future generations to appreciate and learn more about this great man."

He added: "I have great respect for Hogarth's achievement in setting up the Foundling Hospital to care for abandoned children. It is my intention that the House should have closer links with the Foundling Museum. I am also very keen that our social workers should take a pride in the origins of their profession within our borough."