Thomas Kerrich

Sitterback to top

• Thomas Kerrich (1748-1828), Cambridge University Librarian, antiquary and draughtsman. Sitter in 2 portraits, Artist associated with 9 portraits.

Artistback to top

• Thomas Kerrich (1748-1828), Cambridge University Librarian, antiquary and draughtsman. Artist associated with 9 portraits, Sitter in 2 portraits.

This portraitback to top

Drawing was popular among amateur artists. Sons of the gentry drew to improve their artistic judgement while for impoverished sons of clergymen, like the antiquarian Thomas Kerrich, it offered a possible career. Kerrich's childhood drawings were praised by William Hogarth but he was discouraged from taking up painting professionally and instead became Librarian at Cambridge University Library. His talent is clear from this strikingly unorthodox self-portrait. It was drawn in Italy when Kerrich was visiting Europe on a travel scholarship from the university between 1771 and 1774.

Linked publicationsback to top

• Ingamells, John, National Portrait Gallery: Mid-Georgian Portraits 1760-1790, 2004, p. 308
• Rideal, Liz, Insights: Self-portraits, 2005, p. 20
• Saywell, David; Simon, Jacob, Complete Illustrated Catalogue, 2004, p. 352

Linked displays and exhibitionsback to top

• The Art of Drawing: Portraits from the Collection, 1670-1780 (19 October 2012 - 19 May 2013)
• Late Eighteenth Century Prints and Drawings (17 April 2004 - 5 September 2004)