Hogarth's House

Hogarth Lane, Great West Road, W4

As one of the country's leading painters, Hogarth had status as well as skill.  He made the most of both to campaign against corruption of every kind.

With his unique combination of horror and humour, Hogarth was a much-loved critic of public morality. No vice or affectation escaped his steely gaze, and these he mercilessly lampooned in a series of famous engravings now to be found at his former country home.

Hogarth's House, a beautiful relic of his era, is hidden away behind a high red-brick wall beside one of the busiest roads in West London but the noise of the traffic quickly melts away as you step through the large wooden gate which leads into a garden seemingly untouched by time.

The garden has a history of its own, for the mulberry tree that is its predominant feature is at least three hundred years old. It must be one of few to survive from a time when the trees were brought to England in a vain attempt to get silk worms to breed.

In Hogarth's day, this house stood in open fields and in fact it was the artist's country residence. In common with the great and the good of his day, he was wealthy enough to keep another property in central London, at Leicester Square. A stone bust there commemorates the fact.

While all trace of Hogarth's town house has long since disappeared, history has thankfully spared us this, his more intimate choice of home. With its lovely casement window, it also remains much as Hogarth would have known it. Despite suffering bomb damage during the war it was carefully restored by the local council.

The interior of the house has been completely renovated in recent years and contains a well laid out and informative exhibition which documents the artist's life and work. 

• Hogarth's grave can be found within a few minutes' walk of the house, in the cemetery of St. Nicholas's Church, Chiswick Mall.

Hogarth's House, Hogarth Lane, Great West Road W4.

Open Tuesday to Friday 1pm - 5pm from April to October and 1pm - 4pm November to March.  On Saturday and Sunday, it is open from 1pm - 6pm April to October and 1pm - 5pm November to March.
The house is closed Mondays, Good Friday, Christmas Day and Boxing Day.  Also the whole month of January.

Entrance to Hogarth's House is free although donations towards its upkeep are welcome.  Parking is available nearby at Chiswick House Grounds car park.

Nearest tube: Turnham Green (District Line) but it's a longish walk.

  © 1997 - 2007 Jan Collie. All rights reserved.

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