George IV: Art & Spectacle

The catalogue is brilliant – George IV springs off the page, [and the book includes] fantastic illustrations.

Saturday Review, BBC Radio 4

Hardback, 290 x 230 mm, 300 colour illustrations
ISBN 978 1 909741 60 7

Both in his role as Prince of Wales and, from 1820, magnificent king, George IV purchased paintings, metalwork, textiles, furniture, watercolours, books and ceramics in vast numbers, many of these works by the finest artists of the day. 

Through the spectacular interiors of his houses and palaces in London and Brighton, numerous flattering portraits, carefully choreographed state occasions and consciously ostentatious fashion choices, George IV attempted to shape public perception of his role as heir to the throne and as king.

To celebrate next year as the 200th anniversary of George IV's accession to the throne, this beautifully illustrated monograph examines the man behind the crown through his unrivalled art collection.

Kathryn Jones is Senior Curator of Decorative Arts, Royal Collection Trust. Her previous publications include European Silver in the Collection of Her Majesty The Queen and The First Georgians: Art and Monarchy. 

Kate Heard is Senior Curator of Prints and Drawings, Royal Collection Trust. Her previous publications include Maria Merian's Butterflies and High Spirits: The Comic Art of Thomas Rowlandson.