Mirror of Mirth: Rowlandson & Nixon Satirise Bath
24 January to 21 April 2025
In the late 18th century, satire was all the rage in London and satirist Thomas Rowlandson was at the height of his powers. No-one among the rich and powerful was safe from his sharp wit and prolific pencil. So when summer came and the great and the good escaped to the elegant spa resort of Bath for the season, Rowlandson followed and brought his chum, John Nixon, along for the ride. Nixon, a successful merchant and amateur artist, was no stranger to satire himself. Together they laid bare the follies and foibles not only of Georgian high society, but the lower echelons bobbing in their wake as well.
This exhibition will include the finest satirical works in the Victoria Art Gallery collection, including Rowlandson’s celebrated ‘Comforts of Bath’ series, a boisterous survey of the activities offered in the city. There will also be an opportunity to see the teasing observational sketches of Nixon, the gentler alternative to Rowlandson’s scathing send-ups.
