Room 9
Art, Science and Society
Creativity and scientific discovery flourished in a rapidly changing Britain. The balance of power between monarch and Parliament shifted and new developments increasingly took place outside the royal court, involving more members of the growing middle class. Clubs and societies were established to compete with developments in other European countries. The Royal Society was founded ‘for Improving Natural Knowledge’ and artistic, musical and literary groups were formed to promote their interests and to educate. The end of press censorship in 1695 allowed an unprecedented level of information and debate. This stimulated the growth of periodicals, feeding a public appetite for cultural criticism, news and gossip.
Lady Mary Wortley Montagu with her son, Edward Wortley Montagu, and attendants
attributed to Jean Baptiste Vanmour
oil on canvas, circa 1717
On display in Room 9 on Floor 3 at the National Portrait Gallery
NPG 3924
Elizabeth Carter ('Elizabeth Carter as Minerva')
by John Fayram
oil on canvas, circa 1735-1741
On display in Room 9 on Floor 3 at the National Portrait Gallery
NPG L242
