photo by Mike Paterson
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.
Peter from William Hogarth School poses in Mr Hogarth’s clothes for photographers on 7 November
The House has been at the forefront of the news over the last week, thanks to the energetic efforts of Lucinda MacPherson. Two of our trustees, Lars Tharp and Val Bott, were interviewed by Nick Higham for the BBC Radio 4 Today programme, which has put an excellent audio slide show by Paul Kerley onto the programme’s website. BBC London News also provided an on-line piece. Val was also interviewed by Phil Bayles for the ITV London regional news programme on 8 November.
History Today picked up the story and so did London Historians – Mike Paterson wrote a piece based on a little inside knowledge after doing some voluntary work for the project – he has also booked the first group visit to the House!
ChiswickW4.com has done the House proud over the last few months, keeping coverage absolutely up to date. There were pieces in The Guardian by Maev Kennedy and in the Evening Standard.
Hogarth’s House re-opening, photo: Anna Kunst. L to R Dara O Briain, Cllr Amrit Mann (Mayor of Hounslow), Val Bott (project co-ordinator) and Wesley Kerr (HLF London chairman)
Two excellent women photographers, Anna Kunst and Katri Salonen, have provided the House with superb images – Anna of the people and events and Katri of the beautiful interiors.
Dara O Briain, satirist, social commentator and local resident, performed the opening in style. He and Wesley Kerr gave Hounslow’s mayor a hard act to follow, but pointing out that he was similar in stature to Hogarth, Cllr Mann rose to the occasion!
For a historic house isolated by a 6-lane dual carriageway, this has been a fantastic opportunity to raise its profile – and certainly helps account for the enthusiastic visitors who have come to explore the refurbished House – roughly two months’ worth in 6 afternoons!
The House is open Tuesday to Sunday 12 noon to 5pm, admission free. It is perfect for a family visit during the holiday but will be closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day!
