RSPH, the world’s longest established public health body, celebrated its 160th anniversary in 2016. To commemorate this milestone, RSPH commissioned talented up-and-coming artist Thomas Moore to reimagine William Hogarth’s infamous 1751 cartoon Gin Lane – which depicts the debilitating effects of the gin crisis then sweeping London – for the 21st century.

The new artwork, which reflects some of the biggest public health challenges now facing British society, will be on display, alongside a print of the original, at the Foundling Museum in central London for the entire month of January. The museum is open Tuesday to Sunday and is free for under 16s.

Prints and tea towels of Gin Lane 2016 are also now available from our online shop.

Shirley Cramer CBE, Chief Executive of RSPH, said: “Following such strong interest in Gin Lane 2016 from public and media alike, we are delighted to have the opportunity to partner with the Foundling Museum to put the piece on display. With Hogarth himself having been a founding Governor of the Foundling Hospital, the Foundling Museum seemed like a perfect fit to house the re-imagined artwork.

“We hope as many people as possible will have the chance to view Thomas’ fantastic work. There is so much to learn about the original piece and its context, as well as the pressing public health issues that shaped the re-imagined image. With public health in a time of great uncertainty, we hope that this artwork can raise awareness and connect with the public in a different way – highlighting important health issues facing society today and making people smile at the same time.”

Stephanie Chapman, Curator of Exhibitions and Displays at the Foundling Museum, said: “William Hogarth's Gin Lane exposed some of the extreme problems caused by the Gin Craze in eighteenth-century London, particularly its effects on some of the poorest in society. Hogarth's ground-breaking art, his keen powers of observation, his wit and his desire to confront head on some of the key social issues of the day, have made him a great inspiration for proceeding generations of artists. The Foundling Museum is delighted to be showing Thomas Moore's recent reimaging of Gin Lane as he, in turn, confronts the public health issues faced by London today.”