William Hogarth Celebrates His 250th In Style

Harry Hill, Joanna Lumley and Sir Peter Blake in one exhibition

Hogarth’s House is marking the 250th anniversary of William Hogarth's death with an exhibition of self-portraits by an all-star line-up of artists, featuring celebrity actors, comedians and authors as well as five Royal Academicians.

The new and original exhibition, which is entitled 'Small Self' and is set to open to the public on Saturday 20th September, will include self-portraits by Sir Peter Blake, the William Hogarth Trust's patron, as well as other renowned contemporary artists including William Bowyer, Anthony Green, Ken Howard and Humphrey Ocean. Many of those featuring works are Chiswick residents including Vera Small, Jason, Francis and William Bowyer, Peter Blake, Jane Corsellis, Claire Ireland and David Parfitt.

What makes this art exhibition a little bit different is that these works will be displayed alongside efforts by famed figures from the other spheres of popular art. Highlights include works by national treasure Joanna Lumley, TV comedians Vic Reeves and Harry Hill, flowery designer Cath Kidston and best-selling childrens' author Jacqueline Wilson.

Other attempts at 'self-portraiture', which is an art-form similar to a selfie but drawn by hand, will be offered by numerous members of the illustrious New English Art Club, as well as Guardian cartoonists Steve Bell and Martin Rowson, writer Mike McCartney and the erstwhile lead singer for 80s band Frankie Goes To Hollywood, Holly Johnson.

This unusual project is the brainchild of artists Chrissy Blake, a founder trustee, and Jason Bowyer, a current trustee of the William Hogarth Trust. They created the exhibition in the hope that it would attract a different audience to Hogarth's House and engage modern artists with its work. A catalogue showing all of the portraits in full colour will be available during the exhibition.

Chrissy Blake, who is Guest Curator for the exhibition, commented, "On the 250th anniversary of Hogarth’s death we hope this celebration of his continuing influence, is a fitting commemoration in the beautiful country house he called home."

The 'Small Self' exhibition will open to the public on Saturday 20th September, and will continue from 12pm to 5pm on every day of the week bar Mondays until the 11th January. Admission is free with donations welcomed. No advance booking is required. Timed entry may apply in busy periods.

There's lots more information here from their website.

September 18, 2014