William Hogarth (10 November 1697 – 26 October 1764) was an English painter, printmaker, social critic and cartoonist.  The Hogarth House, located in the borough of Hounslow, was his country home from 1749 until his death in 1764.  He had a painting room at the bottom of his garden where he worked up until his death.  Now located next to a busy road, it takes imagination to see it as Hogarth described it - ”a little country box by the Thames”.  In addition to the home, a beautiful, enclosed garden is hidden behind high red-brick walls and serves as the only reminder of the rambling rural idyll Hogarth once experienced. One garden feature of note is a 300 year old mulberry tree.  The house and grounds have been sympathetically restored to offer a surprisingly accurate picture of life as it was when he was alive. Now a gallery and museum, the property contains an exhibition exploring Hogarth’s life including memorabilia on loan from a major Hogarth collection at Aberdeen art gallery. Alongside these are examples of his work and objects showing his range of interests as well as an unrivalled collection of his prints and engraved copies, including ‘Harlot’s Progress’, ‘Rake’s Progress’, ‘Marriage a la Mode’, ‘Gin Lane’ and ‘Beer Street’. Hogarth’s tomb can be found nearby in the graveyard at St. Nicholas’s Church.  The museum is open from 12 noon - 5pm, Tuesday to Sunday.  Admission is free.  See their website for more details on special events, talks and for general information: http://www.hounslow.info/arts/hogarthshouse/index.htm

Location: Hogarth Lane, Great West Road,  W4 2QN.

Nearest tube: Stamford Brook