Exhibition of 120 paintings and drawings by Thomas Gainsborough marking the 300th anniversary of his birth, the first major survey of his work in more than 20 years.
Thomas Gainsborough is coming to Tate Britain from 20 May to 10 October 2027, with 120 paintings and drawings on display. It's the first major survey of his work in more than 20 years, and it marks the 300th anniversary of his birth. Gainsborough is one of Britain's best-loved society portraitists, and this is a proper look at the man behind the name.
The exhibition does two things at once. It puts the glamour of the portraits that made his name side by side with the creative chaos of his studio behind the scenes, and it makes room for the role his wife and daughters played in his life and work. The hang follows his career from his formative years in Suffolk, through his portrait practice in Bath and London, and on to the lesser-known landscape paintings of his final years. It also touches on his passion for music and theatre, so you get a sense of the person as well as the painter.
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It's a long run, and the gallery is open 10.00-18.00 daily, so there's plenty of time to work your way through. The research for the show was supported by the Manton Historic British Art Scholarship Fund. You'll find it at Tate Britain, Millbank, London SW1P 4RG, from 20 May to 10 October 2027.
