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Exhibition Room, Somerset House

April 1, 1808
Not on view
Founded in 1768, London's Royal Academy mounted exhibitions every summer from 1769. Recent works by the academicians were given pride of place and supplemented by submissions by non-members. In 1780, the institution moved from cramped quarters on Piccadilly into custom built galleries in Somerset House on the Strand. The Great Room of these new galleries is shown here densely hung from floor to ceiling. Visitors were admitted for a shilling and flocked to inspect the art and enjoy the views of London society. This rare uncolored example of Pugin and Rowlandson's print devoted to the annual event was published in 1808.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Exhibition Room, Somerset House
  • Series/Portfolio: Microcosm of London, pl. 2
  • Artist: Designed and etched by Thomas Rowlandson (British, London 1757–1827 London)
  • Artist: Designed and etched by Auguste Charles Pugin (British (born France), Paris 1768/69–1832 London)
  • Artist: Aquatint by John Hill (American (born England), London 1770–1850 Clarksville, New York)
  • Publisher: Rudolph Ackermann, London (British, active 1794–1832)
  • Date: April 1, 1808
  • Medium: Etching and aquatint; proof before letters
  • Dimensions: Sheet: 10 15/16 × 14 5/16 in. (27.8 × 36.4 cm)
    Plate: 9 3/8 in. × 11 7/16 in. (23.8 × 29 cm)
  • Classification: Prints
  • Credit Line: The Elisha Whittelsey Collection, The Elisha Whittelsey Fund, 1962
  • Object Number: 62.600.467
  • Curatorial Department: Drawings and Prints

More Artwork

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Migrants, Thomas Rowlandson British, Watercolor
Migrants
Thomas Rowlandson
1780–1827
Going to Ivy Bridge, Thomas Rowlandson British, Watercolor
Going to Ivy Bridge
Thomas Rowlandson
1780–1827
The Sailor's Return from Active Service, Thomas Rowlandson British, Watercolor
The Sailor's Return from Active Service
Thomas Rowlandson
1780–1827
Departure of Blanchard and Jeffries' Balloon from Dover, January 7, 1785, Thomas Rowlandson British, Hand-colored etching
Departure of Blanchard and Jeffries' Balloon from Dover, January 7, 1785
Multiple artists/makers
January 1794
Ships and Sailors, Thomas Rowlandson British, Watercolor
Ships and Sailors
Thomas Rowlandson
late 18th–early 19th century

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