Why not pay a visit to the home of one of Middlesex’s greatest painters, engravers and satirists William Hogarth. 

Hogarth’s House contains the most extensive display of his work in the UK.  Famous engravings such as The Rake’s Progress, The Harlot’s Progress and Marriage a la Mode are exhibited.

The house was originally opened in 1904 as a museum.  At many times over the years it’s future has been uncertain but the enthusiasm of many people to preserve this monument to the life of Hogarth has, against all odds, kept the building standing to this day and with a recent refurbishment in 1996-7 it’s future seems more secure.

Hogarth lived in the house from 1764 until his death in 1749.  It was weekend and holiday retreat.  His main home was located in Leicester Fields (the area now known as Leicester Square in London).  It would have been fairly easy for him to travel up to central London by carriage (taking approximately 1 hour) or by boat.  In Hogarth’s day his house was very much part of the village and not separated by busy roads as it is now.   You can get a feel for what it must have been like from a painting of the exterior of the house by TM Rooke in 1897 currently on display.

The exhibition documents Hogarth’s life story from his earliest days apprenticed to a silver engraver to becoming an astute social commentator producing visual snap-shots of everyday Georgian life.  You can also view a smaller exhibition on life in Chiswick during Hogarth’s time.

Hogarth’s work was not only topical and thought-provocking but his incredible artistic genius is clear.  Each time you look at an engraving you will find yourself literally piecing together a story and discovering details which were not visible on the first view.  Hogarth’s work may have fulfilled a similar role to modern day soap operas reflecting the views and behaviour of elements of society of the time.  Certainly it’s grip is similar, as once you have viewed one plate you will immediately find yourself wondering what happens next.

Hogarth was a man of strong opinions – which sometimes put him at great personal risk.  He made many friends as well as enemies.  Hogarth and his wife Jane did not have children of their own.  However, Hogarth was a great patron and support of a local children’s hospital for foundlings.  He also loved animals and was often seen out walking his pet pug.  His work “The Four Stages of Cruelty” drew attention to animal welfare at a time when this opinion was less than fashionable.

A visit to Hogarth’s House will take approximately 2-3 and a half hours.  Afterwards, you could take a stroll down to Chiswick Parish Church to view Hogarth’s tomb or go for a stroll in the grounds of Chiswick House.

HOW TO GET TO HOGARTH’S HOUSE

Hogarth’s House

Hogarth Lane

Great West Road

London W4 2QN

Tel. 0208 994 6757

The house is easily reached by road on the A4.  You can park for free in the grounds of Chiswick House.

The nearest tube station is Turnham Green on the District Line (however, it is a longish walk from the station). 

ADMISSION

Admission to the house and exhibition is free.

OPENING HOURS

April-October

1-5pm (Week Days)

1-6pm (Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holidays)

November, December, February and March

1-4pm (Week Days)

1-5pm (Saturday and Sunday)

Closed: Mondays (except Bank Holidays), Good Friday, Christmas Day, Boxing Day and all of January.

For more information about Hogarth’s House and the life of William Hogarth, visit

www.hounslow.info/hogarthhouse

http://members.fortunecity.de/hogarth_scholar/Encyc.html