16 May—31 August 2015

William Hogarth: Painter & Printmaker

This exhibition has now finished.

In summer 2015 Tate Britain lent us its collection of oil paintings by William Hogarth – one of the most important figures in British art.

The Painter and his Pug © Tate Britain

The Painter and his Pug © Tate Britain

From portraiture to satire to history painting, this exhibition introduced the diverse range of subjects that were tackled by this iconic painter and printmaker. Included in the exhibition were his well-known satirical prints from our permanent collection.

This will be the most comprehensive show of the artist’s work ever in the South West. Bristol, home to Hogarth’s 28ft high Altar piece currently on display at St Nicholas Church, is proud to be selected by Tate as the only regional partner.

As well as looking at the amazing paintings and prints, there was a fascinating audio guide giving loads of background information on six of the paintings – an art historian, someone talking about the seedier side of life in the 18th century and a ‘wild card’ commentator – including a poet, an opera singer, and the owner of the Boston Tea Party.

William Hogarth: Painter & Printmaker has been developed in partnership with Tate Britain.

Bristol Museum & Art Gallery would like to thank Exhibition Sponsors:
RSG, Smith & Williamson and Wards Solicitors.

Bristol Museum & Art Gallery would like to thank Public Event Sponsors: Zalando