Historical Writers at Hogarth’s House

An unusual group visited Hogarth’s House on 20 January. Mike Paterson of London Historians asked Val Bott, the Trust’s Chairman and a London Historians member, to welcome to the House a small group of historical writers: Lynn Shepherd, Essie Fox, Kate Mayfield, Lloyd Shepherd, Kate Colquhoun and Denise Meredith, with publisher Lisa Highton and Mike Paterson.

Val was delighted to meet such an illustrious group, many of whom specialise in the Victorian period. Of course, everyone knows Hogarth’s House  as an 18th century gem. It was built about 1717 and Hogarth lived from 1697 to 1764. But Val’s research for the new presentation of the House looked at all of the residents from the beginning to the creation of the museum there in 1904 so she was able to introduce the group to some 19th century residents. These included Rev Henry Francis Cary, curate of St Nicholas Church, poet, critic, translator of Dante who arrived in 1813 and went on to become Assistant Keeper of Printed Books at the British Museum.  He was followed by the Wickstead family who migrated to Australia in 1840 and let the House; one of the tenants was Newton Treen “Brayvo” Hicks, a well-known melodramatic actor who retired to the House in the 1860s. Now we wonder whether these characters make an appearance in future writings by the group?

Please note – Since its re-opening in November 2011, Hogarth’s House has been very busy – over 2,600 visitors up to the end of December compared with the whole of 2008, the last complete year the House was open, which saw a total of around 4,800. Group visits began to be requested within the first few days – the House is too small for guided tours but groups may book visits in advance with John Collins, the Outreach Officer, on 020 8994 6757. These take place outside normal opening hours and a small charge is made for this special opportunity.