Children in art

In the 18th century, a notable shift took place in the way children were perceived in life and represented in art. In many of Joseph Wright of Derby’s paintings, they take centre stage. To coincide with our 'Wright of Derby: From the Shadows' exhibition this tour explores how childhood is represented throughout our collection.

From miniature adults in splendid gowns to attentive boys or girls being taught to read; street urchins to artists’ children tenderly painted with a loving paintbrush; lively little ones playing tricks to rosy-cheeked personifications of innocence. In this 75-minute tour, you're invited to look at masterpieces from the Renaissance to the 19th century by Titian, Van Dyck, Netscher, Steen, Murillo, Vigée le Brun, Gainsborough, Renoir and many others.

Muriel Carré is an award-winning guide specialising in art and architecture. She studied English Literature and History at Université Sorbonne Nouvelle, Paris, followed by a Master's degree in Art History at Christie's, London. Alongside teaching English Literature in France and abroad, Carré has worked for a contemporary art online magazine in Madrid. She now leads tours in English and French in all the major London museums and historic houses.