A play written & directed by David Titley.
The Portrait
Written & directed by David Titley
It is a mystery.
The artist never finished it.
The picture remained in his house where he could see it, until his dying day.
He painted other portraits of his friend, but this one stayed with him.
Why did Joshua Reynolds – most successful of English portraitists – want to paint his penniless friend, Samuel Johnson?
Joshua Reynolds was born in 1723, studied in Italy. At the time of the portrait he could command £20 for a one hour sitting, and saw up to five sitters in a day. Reynold’s sister Frances kept house for him for many years.
Johnson in 1756 was 46, a widower & broke, despite the recent publication of the Dictionary. He had yet to become the iconic figure of his later years.
Two women take a trip to look at the picture today. Meanwhile in 1756 Frances Reynolds is starting a busy day at her brother’s house...
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Visitor information
Address
Beacon Street, Lichfield, Staffordshire, WS13 7AD
01543 306260
Opening times
Museum Opening Hours
31 March 2024 to 26 October 2024 open Thursday to Tuesday (closed Wed) 11am to 5pm last entry 4.15pm
27 October 2024 to 29 March 2025 Open Thursday to Monday 11am to 4pm, last entry 3.15pm.
The herb garden is open all year with free access
The museum is occasionally closed for weddings and school bookings. Please check the website for details.
Please visit erasmusdarwin.org for full information.
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