This diary, the penultimate of sixteen volumes, written by the artist Joseph Farington between 1793 and his death in 1821 provides an excellent insight into daily life in the London art community at the end of the eighteenth century.

Farington's diary is an invaluable source for this period, primarily due to his meticulous recording of events ranging from various dinners, the weather, and meetings of the Royal Academy to his own commissions for numerous publications and wider European events.

This diary is particularly concerned with the illnesses of Farington's acquaintances, particularly that of Benjamin West, President of the Royal Academy, who died in March 1820. Farington also comments on the deaths of George III, Queen Charlotte, Princess Frederica, Duchess of York and the continued grieving following the premature death of Princess Charlotte in 1817.
Besides these melancholy events, Farington also remarks on the continuing scandals surrounding the marriage of George IV and his wife, Caroline of Brunswick.

Upon her husband's accession to the throne, Caroline returned from her self-imposed exile in Italy to claim her position as Queen. However, due to her alleged infidelity, the new King sought a divorce and Caroline was put on trial in the House of Lords. Farington records numerous conversations held with his acquaintances regarding the events and its repercussions on British society. Radicals, those who sought greater political rights, used the Queen's trial as a chance to further their cause. It is apparent from the conversations held with his friends that Farington viewed these mobs as revolutionaries, threatening change similar to that which had affected France following the revolution of 1789.

There are also several references throughout 1819 to the reception which greeted Sir Thomas Lawrence when he arrived in Europe. Farington avidly followed his friend's career and it can be seen that he was happy to learn of Lawrence being well received in Vienna while he painted portraits of the leading statesmen of Europe negotiating the peace following the defeat of Napoleon. There is also a reference to Lawrence's painting of Pope Pius VII made in Italy following his time in Vienna. This painting was not, according to Farington, well received by Italians who preferred the theatrical style of French artists such as Jacques-Louis David. In other circles however, particularly those who were used to Lawrence's work, the painting was very popular. Farington also states that Lawrence's paintings were originally intended to be displayed in Carlton House, and Lawrence began negotiations with John Nash regarding their display. Carlton House was demolished in 1825 and the paintings are now on display in the Waterloo Chamber at Windsor Castle.

Farington initially intended his diary to be destroyed following his death but a change of heart meant that only the most controversial elements were removed, particularly details about the financial troubles of his elder brother William and some comments regarding his acquaintances. These wishes were partly carried out by his brother, Richard Atherton Farington, following his death in 1821.