Members' book club
About
Johan Zoffany’s bright and energetic painting celebrates the Sharp family.
Seven siblings from eighteenth-century Northumberland, whose achievements were extraordinary. One commissioned the first lifeboat; another became the surgeon to George III; one a preeminent abolitionist campaigner, and all known for their smashing musical barge parties on the Thames.
Author Hester Grant and art historian Matthew Morgan welcome you to this Members’ book club, where they will discuss ‘The Good Sharps’ and the incredible true stories behind Zofanny’s painting, ‘The Sharp Family’.
Join Hester and Matthew for this sparkling conversation.
This event is part of our Members’ book club. Read more about ‘The Good Sharps’.
Speakers
Hester Grant is a writer specialising in eighteenth century British history. Her first book, 'The Good Sharps', tells the story of a remarkable family of eight siblings who became celebrated figures in several of the major movements of the eighteenth century. Hester’s latest book, which is about the summer of 1726 and the publication of Gulliver’s Travels, is due to be published by Harper Collins in 2026.
Dr Matthew Morgan is Museum Director of Turner's House in Twickenham and is an Associate Lecturer at Birkbeck, University of London. He has worked in the heritage sector for nearly 10 years, including at the Royal Collection and the National Gallery. Prior to that he was a Director at Christie’s. He has taught diverse audiences across the UK as well as making a series of short films which can be seen on YouTube.
The Good Sharps
Members' book club
Free for Members
This is an online event, exclusive to Members, hosted on Zoom.
Members, please book your free ticket to access this event. You will receive an E-ticket with instructions on how to access your online events, films and resources via your National Gallery account. Only one ticket can be booked per account.
