31 Comments
User's avatar
Doug Russell's avatar

Forgive me if already covered but I commend Hogarth’s mural Jesus at the pool of Bethesda, on the staircase to the Great Hall at St Bartholomew’s hospital in West Smithfield. The painting is famous for the depiction of a variety of disease common at the time, said to be drawn from patients at the hospital.

Expand full comment
Matt Brown's avatar

Thanks Doug. Yes, a marvellous work, which I think Hogarth did for free, rather than let it go to anyone else. I've long wanted to write an article about that and the great hall. I think they're both still undergoing restoration works, so I'll wait until that's all finished.

Expand full comment
Sewing  Mends The Soul's avatar

Your simple idea has worked. I am fascinated with the Georgian period. Hogarth's recording of London life & your narrative are just wonderful.

I like the boy Piper in the bottom lefthand corner.

Expand full comment
Mike Isaac's avatar

This is superb! Please carry on with this series

Expand full comment
Steve Punt's avatar

Are you sure you mean Blankety Blank? It’s more reminiscent of Celebrity Squares.

Expand full comment
Matt Brown's avatar

I never saw that show, so to me, it’s reminiscent of the panel on Blankety Blank. But I see what you mean.

Expand full comment
Carly Phillips's avatar

A very intriguing painting. Hogath packed alot in it . I can almost hear who is depicted singing the Beatles song All Together Now and the pregnant woman saying to herI hope husband " My hero".

Expand full comment
Sadye Elliott's avatar

Definitely yes! I thoroughly enjoyed perusing the painting and reading your comments on the goings-on. What fun! More please!

Expand full comment
Ian Neil's avatar

Please continue this series!

Expand full comment
Lucienne Boyce's avatar

What a great idea for an article! I really enjoyed this, thanks.

Expand full comment
Nancy Thomson's avatar

Last year, I saw this painting at the Foundling Museum. Thanks for the detailed analysis of what's going on in the scene!

Expand full comment
R. Chavez's avatar

That was fun! Exactly the type of tour this armchair historian.

Expand full comment
Melissa Harrison's avatar

Loved this.

Expand full comment
David Fathers's avatar

A great piece of detective work Matt. I will now have to revisit the Foundling Hospital.

Have a great holiday!

Expand full comment
Beverley Hearn's avatar

Excellent article. Well researched.

Expand full comment
Maggie Keeble's avatar

Very interesting thank you. Im intrigued by the sign hanging next to the Tottenham Court Nursery sign. Clearly Adam and Eve with vines/grapes on the frame. Underneath the text is difficult to read but on a print version on the BM website it clearly says 'Giles Gardiner' - any thoughts of what he was referring to? Surely something knowing Hogarth.

Expand full comment
Matt Brown's avatar

Thanks Maggie. I included it in the text. Giles Gardener owned the Adam and Eve tea gardens on the site.

Expand full comment
David Mills's avatar

Really, quite fine. Solid research. Sound interpretation. Thanks

Expand full comment
David Boggan Sr.'s avatar

Wonderful work sir!! Fantastic historical insights that bring the past alive and into focus! Thank You!

Expand full comment