William Hogarth's Birthday Celebrated with Gin

Wreath laid on Chiswick High Road to mark artist's 313th birthday

The William Hogarth Trust has marked Hogarth's birthday by laying a wreath at his statue in Chiswick High Road.

The ceremony took place on 10th November 313 years after the artist was born.

Afterwards members of the trust went to a sold out event at the The George & Devonshire, Hogarth Roundabout in which Dr Steven Parissien introduced them and other paying guests to the art of gin tasting.

They organised this special event to raise funds towards the restoration of Hogarth’s House. The pub was the ideal setting, standing only a short distance from the House and dating from the 18th century – Hogarth would have known it.

Dr Parissien provided an expert lecture on the history of gin, from Hogarth’s time to the present day, with samples of at least six different types of gin to taste. In a sociable setting guest discovered the history of the distilling processes, the varying alcoholic strength of the different gins and the use of “botanicals” to flavour the spirit.

November 15, 2010