In 60 Seconds: Hogarth’s ‘Gin Lane’ & ‘Beer Street’

Members may recall the generous gift from Past Master Miles Jenner in 2016, of two Hogarth engravings - Gin Lane and Beer Street - which are displayed in the Committee Room at Brewers’ Hall. First published in 1751, our engravings, one of the last sets made from the original plates, date from 1820.

Depicting the perils of cheap gin versus the more wholesome benefits of beer drinking, The Royal Academy has produced a 60 second video to show how this pair of engravings by the satirical artist were used to alter the drinking habits of the British public in the 18th century.

You can view the video here: https://www.royalacademy.org.uk/article/hogarth-gin-lane-beer-street 

It is worth watching and will only take a minute of your time!