Location

Country: UK
City: London
Place: Downing Street

Auguste Charles Pugin, artist and architectural draughtsman, was born in Paris but settled in England during the French Revolution. After attending the Royal Academy Schools he worked for architect John Nash in Wales and later in London. Nash’s influence inspired Pugin’s interest in the Gothic style. He illustrated numerous topographical and architectural publications, including Ackermann’s ‘The Microcosm of London’ (1808-10). When, in 1818, he was commissioned to produce plates for ‘Specimens of Gothic Architecture’, he employed a team of architectural students to assist. His architectural designs include the interior of the Diorama in Regent’s Park (1823) in collaboration with James Morgan and the layout of Kensal Green Cemetery (1830).
John Bluck was an aquatint engraver, mainly of topographical views, but also of marine and sporting subjects after his contemporaries. He produced plates for numerous publications.
Thomas Rowlandson, caricaturist and draughtsman, attended the Royal Academy Schools. After his studies he worked in watercolours and developed a style influenced by Gainsborough and French Rococo art. From 1784 he received commissions for publications and later gained the patronage of the Prince of Wales. He also produced satirical images, illustrating well-known scandals and characters. Despite gaining a substantial inheritance in 1789, by 1793 he was in poverty. However, his financial worries eased when he received commissions from Ackermann, which led to his involvement with A. C. Pugin in ‘The Microcosm of London’. Rowlandson later produced sketches for the adventures of ‘Dr Syntax’ (1812-21), also published by Ackermann.

Places

England, London

Subjects

paintbrush, palette, easel, painter, artist (as Subject), painting (as Subject), topography, man, woman, 19th century costume, archway, window, table (as Subject), public interior, gallery space

Materials & Techniques

aquatint, coloured aquatint

Artist

Auguste Charles Pugin (1762 - 1832)
John Bluck
Thomas Rowlandson (1756 - 1827)

Title

British Institution, Pall Mall

Date

published 1 April 1808

Medium

Coloured aquatint

Acquisition

Purchased from Christie's, 26 October 1976

GAC number

12540