George Romney

Synopsis

George Romney (1734-1802) was a key figure in British art in the late eighteenth century. A contemporary of Sir Joshua Reynolds and Thomas Gainsborough, he was a fashionable, prolific and at times dazzling portrait painter.
Originally from the Lake District, Romney moved to London in 1762, abandoning his wife in the process. After a visit to Italy, he found numerous patrons attracted by his immaculate draughtsmanship and spontaneous style. Along with the cream of late Georgian society, his sitters included the teenage Emma Hart, with whom Romney was infatuated and who was later to become notorious as Lady Hamilton. At the same time, Romney aspired to create historical and literary scenes infused with imaginative virtuosity and the stirrings of Romantic passion. Towards the end of his life he became disillusioned with portraiture and bitter at what he perceived as the slights of the art establishment.

Romney’s life and art are introduced by Alex Kidson, Curator of Paintings at the Walker Art Gallery, Liverpool, and organiser of the first ever comprehensive exhibition of the artist’s work. Many of Romney’s major paintings are illustrated and discussed, including The Leigh Family and The Leveson-Gower Children, as well as a number of the canvases and drawings not seen in public for generations.

Language

English

Country

Great Britain

Year of release

2002

Year of production

2002

Documentation

The book ‘George Romney 1734-1802’ by Alex Kidson, published by the National Portrait Gallery is available separately.
ISBN: 1 85514 334 8

Subjects

Art

Keywords

British art; portrait painting; Romantic movement; Romney, George

Distribution Formats

Type

DVD

Format

Region 0 PAL

Price

£12.99

Availability

Sale

Duration/Size

35 minutes

Year

2011

Distributor

Name

Illuminations

Email

louise@illuminationsmedia.co.uk

Web

http://www.illuminationsmedia.co.uk External site opens in new window

Phone

020 7288 8400

Address

Studio 121, ScreenWorks
22 Highbury Grove
London
N5 2EF

Notes

Illuminations produces and distributes programmes on arts-related subjects, some of which are made for television and others in conjunction with cultural institutions to accompany specific exhibitions. Many titles are available for sale on DVD, including continuing series on leading contemporary and twentieth century artists and modern architecture, as well as a few programmes on religion, drama, history and ideas.