A private view of Hogarth

One of the advantages of having easy access to things like art exhibitions is that I can occasionally enjoy the privilege of a private viewing. One such event was the Hogarth exhibition at Tate Britain which I attended with my son. I had studied some of Hogarth’s work in my London history courses over the past couple of years. I wasn’t over familiar with his work, but his engravings of “Gin Lane” and “Beer Street” interested me. The attendees of the exhibition – corporate sponsors – were the usual mix of art gallery disciples, but with this private viewing, there was the added bonus of some musicians entertaining the audience and there was a bar selling over-priced wine. As we reached the two engravings in question I attempted to explain there meaning to my son. I rambled on but didn’t realise there were people behind me. “You better be right about what you are saying, Dad, because people are listening to you,” said my son. I wasn’t wrong, but I am not sure I was 100% right.
I like Tate Britain, though, and had not been there since pre-Tate Modern days when the Tate (Gallery as it was then known) had a mix of modern and ancient.
My son also enjoyed the pub nearby, where he continued to expand his education of real ale- this time with a pint of Bombardier. “Beer Street” for him, I think.