Hear About William Hogarth's Frolic by the Thames

Val Bott to reveal new research about his 5-day 'peregrination'

Detail from Samuel Scott’s sketch of Hogarth and friends embarking precariously upon the trip to Kent (British Museum 1847, 0320.1)

March 16, 2023

A Chiswick historian is set to reveal records of William Hogarth’s famous frolic along the River Thames

Val Bott, chair of the William Hogarth Trust, is presenting an illustrated talk on William Hogarth’s ‘Peregrination’ – a 5-day adventure along the River Thames in 1732.

Val will use maps, prints, details of the watermen's water taxi services and images to describe the artist’s river adventure which he undertook with four friends around the Isle of Sheppey in Kent.

“The group faithfully recorded this event for posterity as their ‘Peregrination’ in text, maps, and sketches,” explains Val, who has been researching accounts of the journey especially for the talk for Chiswick Pier Trust (CPT).

The talk starts 7pm on Tuesday 28 March at The Pier House, Corney Reach Way W4 2UG.

Doors open 6.30pm and refreshments will be on sale before the talk, which will last approximately one hour.

Admission to the talk is free for members of Chiswick Pier Trust and £5 for non-members. Limited tickets will be available on the day, so it is advised to pre-book.

A waterman at the causeway below St Nicholas, Church Street, Chiswick (Hounslow Local Studies & Archives)

Two days before on 26 March is the Boat Race and you can come along to the Pier House where you can not only watch the start and finish of The Boat Race on a big screen but also walk outside to experience the live action as the boats pass. Chiswick Pier provides one of the best views of the race as you can watch the crews power upstream from Chiswick Eyot, past the Pier and through to the final bend before Barnes Bridge.

There live music from Shenanigans and food from Salt Beef Shack, Abdul’s Moroccan and ice creams from Super Scoop gelato, along with the ‘best value beer on the river’ at a Fuller’s bar (this year cashless). Hot drinks will also be available to purchase.

The races start at 4pm with the first women’s race, finishing with the men’s race at 5pm. Between these two races will be the women’s reserve crews followed by the men’s reserve crews. The boats are expected to pass Chiswick Pier approximately 11 minutes after the race start times.

The Pier House opens at 1pm and will be serving food and drinks all afternoon.

The trust is also hosting an Easter Afternoon Tea on the Thames on Good Friday (7 April) travelling from Chiswick Pier to Teddington and back.

The trip will include a commentary pointing out the interesting landmarks and sights along the way. A full afternoon tea will be served whilst cruising towards Teddington. They sail at 2.30pm with embarkation 2.15 pm. You are advised to book your tickets, at £32 for adults and £22 for children under 8, early because these cruises can be popular.

To book go online www.chiswickpier.org.uk or call 020 8742 2713

For details of this and future ‘Talks by the Thames’ or for information on CPT membership go to www.chiswickpier.org.uk.