Thomas Gainsborough (1727 – 1788)

Exhibition Image – The Byam Family portrait

Thomas Gainsborough was already an established portrait painter in his native Suffolk when he came to Bath in 1759 and found lodgings on the corner of Abbey Churchyard.  For 16 years he was Bath’s most fashionable painter, in much demand by wealthy and aristocratic visitors.

A few years after beginning his portrait of the Byam family, Gainsborough updated it by adding their daughter.  It is one of the most important paintings at the Holburne Museum, demonstrating Gainsborough’s enduring love of landscapes, real imaginary, as well as his skill as a portraiture.

To discover more of Bath’s artistic heritage visit The Holburne Museum.

Thomas Gainsborough sponsored by Wessex Water.