As British wealth grew rapidly during the 18th century, there was a resurgence in the demand for painted portraits. A new class of rich merchants emerged alongside a new generation of British-trained artists. Thanks to an art academy run by William Hogarth at the beginning of the 18th century and the later establishment of Royal Academy of Arts (headed by Sir Joshua Reynolds), a new distinctively British genre unfolded.

This talk does not require any previous knowledge and serves as an introduction to 18th-century British portrait painting.

About our speaker

Dr Matthew Morgan is a freelance art historian, educator and museum professional. He has been the Museum Director of Turner’s House, and he is also an Associate Lecturer at Birkbeck, University of London. He has worked in the heritage sector for 10 years, including at the Royal Collection, the National Gallery, the Wallace Collection and the V&A. Prior to that he was a Director in Christie’s Valuation Department. He has contributed to TV documentaries, podcasts, radio shows and has lectured widely across the country and made a series of short films which can be seen on YouTube.

This lecture will last an hour. Tickets are available to watch the lecture either ONLINE or IN-PERSON at the Foundling Museum; in-person tickets include Museum entry. The online recording will be available to watch for 1 month.

To book tickets online, please select the event titled '18th-Century British Painting: Portraits (Online)'.