High Spirits
The Comic Art of Thomas Rowlandson
Portly squires and young dandies, Jane Austenesque heroines and their chaperones, dashing young officers and corrupt politicians. Just some of the subjects of the keenly observant satires by English caricaturist Thomas Rowlandson (1757–1827).
High Spirits brings together a collection of comic works by Rowlandson and examines life at the turn of the 19th century through the caricaturist's sharp eye and appreciation of humour in everyday life.
Events programme
Exhibition Highlights
Thomas Rowlandson (1757-1827)
Doctor Convex and Lady Concave.
Thomas Rowlandson (1757-1827)
High Spirits
Attributed to SW Fores : 3 Piccadilly
Scrap screen
Thomas Rowlandson (1757-1827)
The Triumvirate of Gloucester Place, or the Clarke, the Soldier and the Taylor.
Video: Brian Blessed introduces 'High Spirits'
The actor introduces the exhibition in a short animated film
Conservation: A screen decorated with a collage of satirical prints
In preparation for the exhibition, our conservation team worked on this screen created with scenes from Rowlandson's...
Buy the Book
The exhibition catalogue is available to buy
Map & directions
By train
The nearest train stations are London Victoria (10 minute walk) or London Charing Cross (20 minute walk).
Visit National Rail Enquiries for times and fares.
By underground
The nearest tube stations are Victoria, Green Park, St. James's Park and Hyde Park Corner (all approximately 10 minutes walk).
For further information visit the Transport for London website.
By coach / bus
Bus numbers 11, 211, C1 and C10 stop on Buckingham Palace Road. Victoria Coach Station is a 10-minute walk from the Palace.
For further information visit the Transport for London website.
