Portrait miniatures and the Royal Academy
In 1768 a group of London-based artists established the Royal Academy of Arts. At the Academy's annual exhibitions miniaturists displayed their tiny works in a room crowded with large oil paintings. Many painted larger pieces and celebrity sitters to catch people's eye. Others emulated the full-length poses and rich colour of oils.
Growing national wealth encouraged the market for portraiture. Numerous young artists took up miniature painting, offering clients keepsakes of their loved ones. Many, like the Scotsman John Bogle, came to London to find work, but Thomas Hazlehurst found a lucrative market in his booming hometown, Liverpool.
Click on the images below for larger versions and further information.
Become a V&A Member
V&A Members enjoy a wealth of benefits, including free entry to exhibitions, previews, exciting events and the V&A Members’ Room. In addition, you will be supporting the vital work of the V&A.
Buy or Renew Membership OnlineShop online
The Portrait Miniature in England
A fascinating account of the development of English miniature painting featuring masterpieces from the V&A's collection, which contains some of th…
Buy nowEvent - Treasures of the Royal Courts:
Sat 09 March 2013–Sun 14 July 2013
EXHIBITION: The V&A reveals the majesty of the courts of Henry VIII and Elizabeth I to Ivan the Terrible and the early Romanovs in a major exhibition celebrating 500 years of exchange between Britain and Russia.
Book online
