Music & Art | Gainsborough and the Theatre: Inspired by the Stage

In the 18th century people flocked to the stage to see plays, ballet and opera. But beyond the music there was another world. Theatres were notorious as places of ill-repute, where fights were common and actresses and dancers were commonly believed to be of questionable respectability. Nevertheless, the stage provided inspiration for many artists, none more so than Thomas Gainsborough. In this talk, Dr Matthew Morgan, will look at the entwined histories of Gainsborough's portrait painting and the theatre in the 18th Century.

About Dr Matthew Morgan

Dr Matthew Morgan is an independent art historian, writer and museum professional. He has been the Museum Director of Turner’s House, and 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 internationally.

The talk will serve as an introduction to the topic, and no prior knowledge is necessary to join us! Attend live at the Museum or stream online from your sofa. This event is part of the public programming for our exhibition

This talk will last an hour. Tickets are available to watch 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.

Image: Thomas Gainsborough, 'Giovanna Baccelli', c. 1782, Tate Britain.

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