High Spirits
The Comic Art of Thomas Rowlandson
The absurdities of fashion, the perils of love, political machinations and royal intrigue were the daily subject matter of Thomas Rowlandson, one of the leading caricaturists of Georgian England.
Rowlandson was working at a time when English satirical prints were prized by collectors across Europe. A number of the works in the exhibition were purchased by George, Prince of Wales, later Prince Regent and King George IV. Ironically the Prince was often the butt of caricaturists’ jokes and sometimes tried to prevent the publication of images that he felt were particularly offensive.
Through Rowlandson’s drawings and prints, the exhibition examines life at the turn of the nineteenth century.
Exhibition Highlights
Thomas Rowlandson (1757-1827)
Billy Lackbeard and Charley Blackbeard playing at Football.
Thomas Rowlandson (1757-1827)
Dressing for a Masquerade.
Thomas Rowlandson (1757-1827)
The Last Drop.
Video: Brian Blessed introduces 'High Spirits'
The actor introduces the exhibition in a short animated film
Buy the Book
The exhibition catalogue is available to buy
Map & directions
By car
There is a public car park adjacent to the Palace at Broad Pavement. Please visit the Historic Environment Scotland website for more details.
Accessible parking spaces are located on Horse Wynd, just outside the Palace, on a first-come first-serve basis.
By train
Edinburgh Waverley. The Queen's Gallery is a 15 minute walk from the station.
By tram
The nearest tram stop is York Place. The Queen’s Gallery is a 20 minute walk from the station. Visit Edinburgh Trams for times and fares.
By coach / bus
Bus numbers 6 and 35 stop near the Gallery. Open-top tour buses stop nearby.
Limited free coach parking is available adjacent to the Palace. Alternative pay-and-display coach parking is available on nearby Regent Road.
By bike
A free-to-use public bicycle rack is located opposite the Scottish Parliament. Cycle hire stations are available nearby on both Holyrood Road and Abbeyhill, within a 5 minute walk of the Palace and The Queen’s Gallery. Visit Edinburgh Cycle Hire for details.
