Wed 21 Jul
|East Horsley Village Hall
Regency Revelations - The Lost Diary of a Dandy
A naughty boy - or maybe not. He was the most spiteful, sly, and vindictive and wicked man I have ever met.” Written by his nephew, this brutally honest inscription begins one volume of the lost private journals of John Margesson Esq (1794-1866)
Time & location
21 Jul 2027, 10:30 – 11:30
East Horsley Village Hall, Kingston Ave, East Horsley, Leatherhead KT24 6QT
About the event
About the Lecture
He was the most spiteful, sly, and vindictive and wicked man I have ever met.” Written by his nephew, this brutally honest inscription begins one volume of the lost private journals of John Margesson Esq (1794-1866), which was discovered by chance in a quantity of books bought on eBay in 2010. Covering two years of Margesson’s life, from Summer 1831 to Summer 1833, the journal begins with his return from
exile in France to the Sussex country house where he grew up, before moving to London, and ending in Rome via France. Written for himself in beautiful copperplate, he gives an intimate and intensely personal glimpse into his life, his wanderings and his musings as he goes about his daily life. In this lively and entertaining lecture, we’ll take the role of a private detective and use his words and supporting research to piece together this Regency man of means, including: • The potentially scandalous story behind his mysterious exile • His walks through, and observations of, Regency London • His obsessions with the weather, health, and the meaning of life • His daily life and finances • His love of gardens and botany • His sexuality. Each element will be put into the context of the age and will be illustrated with etchings, illustrations and, where possible, photographs. We’ll also examine the current affairs and notable characters he mentions and how they were received and perceived at the time by a wealthy, well-connected, and often very opinionated ‘gentleman’.
About the Lecturer
Mark Hill studied History of Art & Architecture (BA Hons), and began his career as a porter and Junior Cataloguer at Bonhams, before moving to Sotheby's where he was a Specialist in the Collectors' Department. Became director of an internet company forming and running a ground-breaking deal with eBay Live Auctions. Was co-author of the internationally published Collectables Price Guide with Judith Miller from 2002-17. Founded his own publishing company in 2005 and has published over 15 books on emerging specialist subjects in the decorative arts.
A Miscellaneous expert on the BBC 'Antiques Roadshow' since 2007 and an expert on the BBC's 'Antiques Road Trip', has also co-presented five primetime TV series on antiques and collecting for BBC2. A member of the British Antiques Dealers' Association (BADA.org). An experienced auctioneer having consulted for numerous auction houses, and founded one. Strategic Advisor at a company offering digital solutions to the antiques industry. Has lectured across the world, including at the V&A in London, and contributed to many newspapers, magazines, radio and TV programmes. A Freeman of the Worshipful Company of Arts Scholars and a Freeman of the City of London.