Age of empire

This tour of the collection explores the dramatic and dynamic world of 18th-century British art. We focus on this period of immense change, driven by Britain's growing wealth from trade, industrialisation, philosophical enquiry and global exploration. Together with expert guide, Martin Brown, uncover stories behind paintings by Sir Joshua Reynolds, Thomas Gainsborough and others who forged a distinct British style of art in a nation grappling with its identity at the height of its power.

This tour is an hour and 15 minutes long.

Martin Brown is a qualified art historian in History of Art and Architecture. As an award-winning Blue Badge Guide experienced in guiding in National Gallery, Tate Britain and Tate Modern, Brown is passionate about the Gallery’s collection. Before retraining as a Blue Badge Guide, Brown worked for 30 years in education. Firstly, as a teacher of French and German in London secondary schools, and for the last 10 years as Head Teacher of a large Secondary School. In addition, Brown has worked as a Secondary School Improvement Adviser for a local authority, for OFSTED as an Inspector and for the Department for Education as a National Leader of Education.