The Fletcher Gallery presents a diverse collection reflecting the social customs and lifestyle of Georgian Bath. Visitors can examine delicate glassware, porcelain tea sets, and silhouette portraits that highlight the aesthetic sensibilities of the period. The exhibition also provides nuanced historical context through artifacts like the Witcombe Cabinet and plantation records.
Read curatorial context and practical visitor information for 17th and 18th-century Painting and Decorative Art at The Holburne Museum in Bath
This permanent exhibition in the Fletcher Gallery showcases a wide array of 17th and 18th-century decorative arts that offer insights into life in Georgian Bath. Visitors can explore collections including fine porcelain, delicate glassware, and silhouette portraits alongside significant historical documents.
The Fletcher Gallery, located on the museum's Mezzanine, houses a rich collection of decorative objects from the 17th and 18th centuries. These works offer a window into the culture of Georgian Bath, where tourists gathered to enjoy the city's famous waters. The display features a variety of personal and household items, such as popular silhouette portraits, fans, and card games, which reflect the social customs of the era. Furthermore, exquisite porcelain tea sets and fine crystal glassware provide tangible links to the drinking habits and aesthetic sensibilities of 18th-century society. Key highlights within the collection include a series of delicate Meissen figurines and the historic Witcombe Cabinet, a fine example of English decorative furniture dating back to approximately 1697. The gallery also features a handwritten letter by the noted artist Thomas Gainsborough. Beyond the decorative arts, the exhibition incorporates a critical display examining the legacy of slavery within the Holburne family tree, centered on an authentic plantation daybook from Barbados. This addition provides a deeper, nuanced historical context to the collection, encouraging reflection on the complex narratives behind these objects.
The exhibition is included in the museum's general admission. Visitors are encouraged to book their tickets online through the official Holburne Museum ticketing platform to plan their visit.
Review exhibition status, schedule, venue context, and attribution details for 17th and 18th-century Painting and Decorative Art at The Holburne Museum in Bath
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