Hogarth’s House is a delightful example of a Georgian family home, built in what was then the countryside which is now the Chiswick area of West London. Hidden from modern life by a high garden wall, a pretty cottage garden, complete with a 400-year-old mulberry tree and a charming pergola, is the setting for what was artist and satirist William Hogarth’s country residence. The grade 1 listed building (which has been open to the public since 1904), exhibits a fine collection of Hogarth’s works and pieces by other artists who he inspired.
Until 3 July 2022, the house is hosting an exhibition about the animals Hogarth depicted. Hogarth had two pugs as pets which was very unusual at the time, when domestic animals were often kept as working animals rather than as company. Hogarth was a passionate animal lover and used art as a means to explore their treatment in Georgian times, from animal cruelty to the emerging trend of companionship.
Photo credit: 9 Hertford Street