Mirror of Mirth: The Men behind the Mirror

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24 January 2025

Explore the inspiration behind the satirical genius of Thomas Rowlandson and John Nixon

Bath’s vibrant social scene and status as a centre of fashion and leisure in the 18th and early 19th centuries provided the perfect backdrop for the satirical genius of Thomas Rowlandson and John Nixon. Mirror of Mirth: Satire in Bath shines a spotlight on these two artists, exploring the inspirations and cultural contexts behind their humorous works. From Rowlandson’s biting etchings, which poked fun at the excesses of spa culture, to Nixon’s lively watercolours, capturing the quirks of Bath’s high society, their art offers more than just laughs. This article dives into the stories and motivations that shaped their playful portrayals of a city both glamorous and delightfully absurd.

Thomas Rowlandson (1756-1827)

Thomas Rowlandson stands out as one of Britain's most spontaneous and versatile comic artists. His exceptional talent for drawing was evident from a young age. Born in London to a family of modest means, he began his studies at the prestigious Royal Academy of Arts at just 15 years old. Renowned for his lively and humorous spirit, Rowlandson frequently sketched his friends, tutors, and acquaintances, capturing their personalities with an astute and playful eye. His boundless creativity often put him at odds with the Academy's rigid conventions. In one infamous incident, his mischievous streak almost resulted in expulsion when he used a peashooter to startle a life model out of her pose.

Rowlandson's irreverent nature largely excluded him from recognition as a serious artist, leading him to focus on printmaking instead. While he could hold his own in the realm of political prints, Rowlandson truly excelled in capturing the eccentricities of society. His early works often featured people of quality, but his interests soon shifted toward the bustling life of streets and taverns, as well as the diverse pleasures of metropolitan life, both refined and raucous.

One of his most celebrated series, Comforts of Bath, takes a witty and satirical look at life in the city. Each image humorously dissects the activities, social rituals and affectations of Bath society, showcasing everything from gluttonous feasts to awkward romantic encounters. Central to the series is the rich irony that Bath, a city renowned for its dedication to health and wellness, simultaneously encouraged indulgence and decadence. The series' gout-stricken central character arrives in Bath seeking a cure but succumbs to the excesses the city so lavishly offers.

John Nixon (c. 1755-1818)

John Nixon was an amateur artist best remembered for his humorous and affectionate caricatures of British society. He was also a successful London businessman involved in the Irish linen trade. His personal wealth allowed him to pursue his interests in art and travel.

Renowned for his wit and charm, Nixon was greatly valued as a host. He shared a house with his brother and held parties where artists, actors, musicians and all good raconteurs were invited. He counted satirist Thomas Rowlandson among his close friends and artistic collaborators. In 1792 they travelled together to Bath on an artistic trip. Together they uncovered a chaotic social atmosphere where visitors and locals mingled, and clashed, amid a whirl of carriages, crowds and commotion.

Nixon’s financial stability gave him the freedom to create caricatures without commercial pressure. His most enduring legacy lies in his many pen and watercolour sketches, quickly jotted down yet brimming with life. Bath was undoubtedly a rich hunting ground for Nixon, who captured individuals with little regard for status, focusing instead on distinctive appearances and traits.

Nixon’s sister lived in Bath and he returned many times over the years. His sketches charted a shift in Bath’s status as a fashionable resort. The city’s clientele had broadened to include an increasingly wealthy but middle-class set of visitors. This influx of new faces disrupted Bath’s carefully curated social order, transforming the city into a lively, and laughable, scene of ambition and pretension.

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Mirror of Mirth: The Men behind the Mirror

Thomas Rowlandson (1756-1827)

John Nixon (c. 1755-1818)

Explore Bath's world heritage

Explore Bath's world heritage

Other things to do in Bath

Mirror of Mirth: The Men behind the Mirror

Thomas Rowlandson (1756-1827)

John Nixon (c. 1755-1818)

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