Rochdale Antiques Society welcomed Lars Tharp

Lars Tharp

Lars Tharp, an arts and antiques consultant paid a visit to the Rochdale Antiques Society to give them a talk on William Hogarth.

Lars was invited to speak to the group by the group’s president Norma Rhodes at their March meeting.

Lars spoke about artist William Hogarth. William was born in 1697 to a poor family but later because a wealthy man through his painting, printing and engraving. William would often use his talents to highlight the difference between the rich and the poor in early 18th century London.

William Hogarth’s first love was painting and to further his skills, he went to night school. Among his many paintings, William did a series of three depicting London life: The Harlot’s Progress in 1732, A Rakes Progress in 1733 and Marriage a la Mode in 1735.

Williams’s art became so popular that it was copied all over the world including China, Germany and Holland. He also gave many of his pictures to the Foundling Hospital in London, which was set up by his friend Captain Thomas Coram in 1739 to help many of the abandoned babies and children in the London slums. William wanted to fill the walls with pictures and persuaded other artists to donate some of their work to help fund the hospital.

Lars Tharp has now gone on to become a trustee of the Foundling Museum. The museum was established in 1998 to save the original artwork and early 18th century interiors and furniture. It is also used to raise funds to enable Coram (children’s charity) to continue vital charity work.

The group’s next speaker will be Nigel Wiggin. Nigel is a family member of the Old Hall Stainless Steel Tableware Company. He will be speaking to the group on Wednesday 9 April at St Vincent’s Community Hall starting at 7:30.