Satire in Sudbury

If you have time, do take an hour or so before Christmas to visit Gainsborough’s House in Sudbury.

The newly refurbished museum shop is full of enticing gifts for Christmas, and the current exhibition is certainly worth visiting.

The Museum has been fortunate to borrow a collection of works from the Reform Club in London,  published by one of the most prolific producers of satirical prints,  Samuel William Fores (baptised 1761, d. 1838). 

Fores was active during the Napoleonic wars, one of the most important periods ever for satirical images.  He produced and published prints during a golden age, defined by the works of some of the genres greatest exponents, Gillray and Rowlandson.   There is much in the show to enjoy and laugh at.

In addition it is still possible to see the magnificent portrait by Gainsborough of his great friend, the musician, Carl Freidrich Abel, which is currently on loan to Gainsborough’s House from the National Portrait Gallery.  The picture will be returning to London in January.

To see the exhibition you will have to pay the entry charge for the House, but there is no charge for visiting the shop!

Samuel William Fores, Satirist: Caricatures from the Reform Club runs until 15^th February 2015. Gainsborough’s House is open every day of the week from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.